Garbage Rates Likely to Increase 79 Cents a Month

The Redwood City city council will vote on a 3 percent increase at Monday night’s meeting, following a 7 percent increase in 2012.

The majority of Redwood City households have a 32-gallon cart, which would cost an additional 79 cents per month if the increase passes. Those with a 20-gallon cart would see a 33 cents per month increase. A 3.25% increase is proposed for "unscheduled" other services.

Under the current contract, Recology is guaranteed a specific amount of revenue, which is also tied to the rate increase. This type of arrangement is typical in the garbage/recycling collection industry, city spokesperson Malcolm Smith said.

Other factors for the increase include:

• higher disposal and processing costs (due to increases in tonnage and tipping fees)
• higher service levels due to an increased number of residential customers
• Recology's wage and benefit cost increases resulting from its collective bargaining agreements
• fuel rate increases
• and general operating cost increases.

For more details on the cost factors, visit Recology’s website online.

City staff and the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) staff have reviewed the cost increases, and have been approved by the SBWMA Board of Directors. The SBWMA is the joint powers authority representing the various cities and agencies that contract with Recology.

Other member cities in the SBWMA are also considering rate increases.

Notices of the proposed increase have been sent to all garbage/recycling service customers in Redwood City. Customers may protest the proposed rate increase at the public hearing, or may do so by writing to the City prior to the hearing.

The City Council meeting starts at 7 pm, and takes place at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road.  If the proposed rates are approved by the City Council the rate increase would be effective the next day, February 26, 2013.

Tell us in the comments below: Do you think this 3% increase is fair? 

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