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Redwood City is considering increasing its waste collection services due to increasing collection, disposal, and labor costs.
Residential property owners in the city currently pay a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $103 for collection, depending on the size of garbage bins. The city has proposed a monthly fee increase ranging from $5 to $8.
The city is also considering a 2.968% increase in unscheduled solid waste collection services, including miscellaneous services beyond routine garbage collection, such as backyard collection, key service, or additional carts, according to a city notice.
“The rates are adjusted as necessary to generate enough revenue to cover expenditures associated with solid waste services,” said Deputy City Manager Jennifer Yamaguma in an email. “When considering rates, the city seeks to ensure that the fees and charges for solid waste services are proportionate to the cost of providing the service attributable to the parcel.”
Though the city’s waste collection rates have risen steadily since 2019, they are currently among the lowest fees in the county. With the proposed increase, the city’s waste collection fee would be in the county’s mid-range, according to city data.
The Redwood City Council will hold a public hearing on Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. to receive testimony on the proposal. To make a public comment, community members must attend the meeting in person or submit their public comment by 5 p.m. the day of the meeting via email per the city’s public comment policy. The meeting can also be attended via Zoom, but public comment will not be allowed online.
Though testimony from all parties will be considered, only written protests of property owners will be used to determine whether there is a majority protest to the proposed maximum. If a majority of property owners protest the proposal, the city council will not increase rates. Property members can submit a written protest to the city clerk as outlined in the notice of public hearing.
If passed, the rate increases will go into effect Feb. 1.
