Redwood City to hold community meetings on proposed solid waste rate increases

Redwood City proposing increase in solid waste disposal rates

in Community/Featured/Headline

UPDATE: Council unanimously voted in favor of the proposed rate increases. Story here.

Redwood City is considering increasing solid waste disposal rates, including a hike of up to $3 for 86 percent of residential customers, to offset an increase in collection costs and a reduction in recycling revenue, according to the city.

It’s slated to be one in a number of small rate increases in the coming years, the city says.

“Rather than increasing solid waste rates drastically in a one-year time span, the city is proposing small increases over time to help reduce the impact to residents,” the city stated.

On Monday, Jan. 27, the City Council will consider the proposed rate increase plan, which includes a 4 percent increase to rates for regular, scheduled, basic collection of commercial solid waste and recyclable materials, as well as residential solid waste and recyclable materials for 64-gallon and 96-gallon bins; a $3 increase for regular, scheduled, basic collection of residential solid waste and recyclable materials for 20-gallon bins; a $2 increase for regular, scheduled, basic collection of residential solid waste and recyclable materials for 32-gallon bins; and 2.26 percent increase for unscheduled solid waste services.

If approved, the rates would take effect Feb. 1.

Despite the increased rates, which are meant to keep pace with increasing costs for disposal and processing fees, labor, fuel and power and other operating and maintenance costs, Redwood City customers “will remain less than the average in San Mateo County,” the city says.

For more information, go here.