OIG report: Baltimore County trash hauler accused of fraud in tipping fee scheme
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan announced the release of an investigative report detailing concerns about a commercial trash hauler allegedly misrepresenting the origin of its waste to exploit lower tipping fees.
The report, Case No. 23-015, supports findings that the hauler committed fraud against the county from March 2022 to June 2024 by taking advantage of the fee differences between Harford County and Baltimore County at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill.
The investigation revealed that before July 10, 2023, the tipping fee for Harford County waste was $28 per ton less than for Baltimore County waste. However, after a legislative change on July 10, 2023, it became $17 per ton more expensive to dump Harford County waste. The hauler reportedly shifted its waste origin designation from Harford County to Baltimore County following the rate change, raising suspicions of fraudulent activity.
The report noted, “The Office’s suspicions about the dramatic swing in the data, which coincided with the rate change, were supported by the hauler’s failure to cooperate with the Office’s subpoena requests for customer-related data.” Despite multiple subpoenas, the hauler has not provided records to refute the suspected fraud, prompting the Office to pursue judicial remedies.
The investigation also highlighted the need for improved oversight and accountability measures. The Office recommended that commercial haulers be required to affirm the origin of their loads upon arrival at the landfill and suggested penalties for false affirmations. The County administration has agreed to implement additional language on tickets to confirm the origin of materials and to clarify penalties for violations by October 19, 2025.
County Administrative Officer D’Andrea L. Walker responded to the report, stating, “The administration agrees that the behavior presented by the subject hauler is suspicious. However, without more background data corroborating the origin of the material, the administration believes it would be premature to revoke dumping privileges.”
The investigation remains unresolved as the Office continues to seek compliance with its subpoenas.
The County is considering further actions pending the acquisition of additional information.
Read the full report below: