Solid Waste Fees in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

 

 

In Pocahontas County, West Virginia, waste fees (often referred to locally as "Green Box Fees") are primarily linked to the presence of a habitable structure on a parcel rather than just land ownership.

Fees for Non-Producing/Vacant Parcels

Generally, if a parcel is truly "non-producing"—meaning it is vacant land with no residential or commercial structure—it is typically not subject to the annual Green Box assessment fee.

• Residential Assessment: The annual fee is currently set at $135 per household (as of late 2025/early 2026). This fee grants residents access to the Green Box disposal sites throughout the county.

• The "Habitable Structure" Rule: In West Virginia, these fees are typically assessed on properties where waste is expected to be generated. If you own a parcel that is strictly forest or field with no dwellings, you should not be receiving a bill for this service.

• Recent Developments: There are active discussions in the County Commission about significantly raising these fees (potentially up to $300–$600) due to the impending closure of the county landfill in late 2026. This may lead to stricter enforcement or changes in how "producing" parcels are defined.

Disposal Fees (Tipping Fees)

If you are performing work on a non-producing parcel (such as clearing brush or demolition) and need to take waste directly to the landfill:

• Tipping Fee: Approximately $95.00 per ton (includes taxes).

• Minimum Fee: $26.20 for loads of 500 pounds or less.

How to Verify or Dispute a Fee

If you are being charged for a parcel that does not produce waste or has no structures, you should contact the Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority (SWA) to request an exemption or clarification.

Contact Method	Details
Phone	(304) 799-6262
Address	900 10th Ave, Suite H, Marlinton, WV 24954
Email	pcswa@frontier.com
Website	pocahontascountyswa.yolasite.com

Note: If you have recently built a small structure (like a hunting cabin or shed) that the county has flagged, they may begin assessing the fee even if you don't reside there year-round. It is always best to verify your specific parcel's status with the SWA office directly.