Illegal dumping forces closure of popular Guerneville reuse center

The Pocket Creek Exchange Post in Guerneville — a once-thriving community spot for swapping reusable items — has shut down due to dumping. Local residents blame rising fees at county-owned transfer stations, saying steep costs discourage self-hauling waste.

Over the last decade, the minimum fee at most of Sonoma County’s transfer stations increased from $7 to $40 — a 470% jump. Officials say these increases aim to improve efficiency and reduce waste by discouraging small loads.

“The minimum fee is designed to encourage residents to use regular waste collection services, which are more environmentally friendly and efficient,” says J. Glenn Morelli, Sonoma County’s integrated waste operations division manager. Many residents aren’t convinced. They argue the hikes disproportionately affect individuals and small businesses, driving dumping.

Laura and Charles Storer, who live in Pocket Canyon between Guerneville and Forestville, say the rising costs make it harder for regular people to handle trash. “Every time we go to the dump, the price has gone up another five bucks. It’s getting out of hand,” says Laura.

Charles is especially frustrated with the bulky waste pickup service. “The bulky waste pickup system is a joke. Twice a year isn’t enough, and the limits are ridiculous,” he says.

Steve Fitch, cofounder of the Pocket Creek Exchange Post, says dumping has overwhelmed the site with junk — broken appliances, mattresses, and other trash. “It was a place where people could drop off items they didn’t need and pick up things they could use,” Fitch explains.

As of Oct. 1, the Exchange Post is closed. Fitch isn’t sure when or if it will reopen. “We want to reopen, but we can’t become a dumping ground because of the county’s policies,” he says.

Fee increases have hit individuals harder than waste collection companies. For large companies, per-ton fees rose about 30% in the last decade, but for self-haulers, the minimum fee shot up 470%.

Many residents worry that rising fees are leading to more dumping. “People are dumping trash in creeks and along roadsides to avoid the high fees,” Fitch says. “It’s damaging to the environment and costs more in cleanup efforts.”

“Lowering the minimum fee and expanding what’s accepted in bulky waste pickups without extra charges would be a good start,” says Laura.

At the Central Disposal Site in Petaluma, the “Recycletown” program offers a model for waste diversion. Run by Garbage Reincarnation, Inc., it gives residents a place to drop off reusable items instead of sending them to the landfill. Fitch believes a similar program in Guerneville could make a big difference.