Garbage Fees to Rise? Give Feedback

Did you know that San Franciscans have a say in setting their rates for recycling, landfill, and compost disposal?

Recology — the company the City contracts with to handle the disposal of waste, recycling, and compost — is requesting higher rates from residents that would go into effect in October 2023. The Refuse Rate Board is holding two to three more public hearings between June and July, 2023 where residents can attend in person, online, or phone in. Members of the public are encouraged to ask questions or give input about Recology’s requested rate increases, proposed environmental goals, and other topics related to the rate-setting process.

See meeting details below under Upcoming Public Hearings.

What are Recology’s potential rate increases for residents?

Recology is requesting to increase the monthly charges for basic service by 6.15% over 2 years (3.90% on October 1, 2023, and an additional 2.17% on October 1, 2024), with similar increases to the various surcharges that may apply to individual customers (distance, elevation, access). Recology states this is intended to cover the cost of existing refuse service, as well as the cost of increased abandoned material collection, public bin collection, weekend cleanup events, and contamination. At the City’s request, the rates also would continue to cover costs incurred by certain City departments related to solid waste management.

The City’s Refuse Rates Administrator is recommending a lower cumulative increase to the monthly charges for basic refuse service, of 3.92% over 2 years (0.00% on October 1, 2023, and then a 3.92% increase on October 1, 2024).

Can’t attend a public hearing virtually or in person?

That’s okay! You can still submit comments, questions, and objections to Recology’s rate increases through an online form. This input will be considered on an ongoing basis.

In addition, ratepayers can submit a formal Prop 218 written protest. Formal protests will be counted aloud in the final public hearing at the end of the rate-setting process and can prevent a rate increase if the majority of ratepayers mail them in. Please follow these instructions.