Many Los Angeles city residents will soon be paying more for trash collection as the City Council prepares to formalize a plan that more than doubles the monthly fees in some households.
How much more will you pay for trash?
Residents living in single-family homes and duplexes will see their monthly fees increase from $36.32 to $55.95. The increase for three-to-four-unit households will be even higher, with their fees going from $24.33 to $55.95.
Over the next four years, fees will rise by $10 to $65.93. Rates will be reduced for those who qualify for the city’s EZ-SAVE or Lifeline programs.
The trash fee hike — the first in 17 years — is expected to take place in November, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Why are rates going up?
In March, the Bureau of Sanitation asked the L.A. City Council to consider a rate hike to make up for big budget gaps, writing that the current waste collection fees aren’t enough to pay for operations.
The need to raise rates is the result of several factors, according to the department.
There’s been a substantial increase in costs for materials, labor and vehicles over 15 years. California’s green waste recycling program costs more than $66 million each year to comply with. And while the department used to be paid $6 million a year for recyclables, that changed in 2017 after the recycling market collapsed. They now pay $20 million annually.
What’s next?
The City Council voted 12-2 on Oct. 7 to finalize the increase. A second reading of the fee hike ordinance will be held on Oct. 21 before it heads to Mayor Karen Bass’s desk for approval.
LAist contributed to this report.
