For years, Sugarloaf Citizens Association has raised concerns about the environmental and public-health impacts of Montgomery County's aging Dickerson incinerator, including its toxic emissions and the disposal of incinerator ash in other communities.

Now, new cost estimates raise another serious concern: continuing to burn our trash could be far more expensive than previously understood.

According to a recent analysis shared by Zero Waste Montgomery, rebuilding the incinerator to meet the highest pollution-control standards could cost an ADDITIONAL $800 MILLION to $1.3 BILLION BEYOND THE COUNTY’S EARLIER ESTIMATES, with an estimated additional $50 million to $100 million in annual costs.

With the County Council expected to vote on November 10, the time to speak up is now.

SCA supports closing the incinerator and investing in waste reduction, recycling, composting, and environmentally responsible disposal of remaining waste.

Hundreds of residents have already sent letters to the Council. Please add your voice!

One of SCA’s partner organizations, Climate Coalition Montgomery County, has made it easy to contact the Council. Please click the link below and support Option 2: Close the Incinerator and Expand Composting.

Click below to read SCA’s latest update on the incinerator, including the projected cost of continuing to burn Montgomery County’s trash for another 25–30 years and the environmental impact of the county’s incinerator.

Thank you for staying informed and speaking up for a healthier, more sustainable future for Montgomery County. Your voice matters. Together we can make a difference!