Staff Reporter
Los Angeles residents could soon see a significant increase in their trash collection bills. The City Council is scheduled to give final approval Tuesday to an ordinance raising trash collection fees, marking the first rate adjustment in 17 years. The new fees, expected to take effect next month, aim to cover rising costs for waste management services, officials said.
Story Highlights
-
City Council to approve first trash collection fee hike in 17 years.
-
Single-family homes and duplexes will increase 54%; small apartments rise 130%.
-
Bi-monthly bills could reach $111.90 for affected households.
-
Low-income residents eligible for EZ-SAVE or Lifeline reduced rates.
-
Additional 18% increase projected over the next four fiscal years.
-
Over 1.2 million households, including bulky item collection customers, will be impacted.
-
Rate changes cover staff salaries, organic waste disposal, vehicle maintenance, and inflation.
“Updating these fees is essential,” said a city sanitation spokesperson. “It ensures we can properly manage organic waste, maintain vehicles and equipment, pay our staff fairly, and keep up with inflation.”
Last week, the council voted 12-2 in favor of the ordinance. Council members Adrin Nazarian and Monica Rodriguez opposed the increase, citing concerns about the impact on residents, while Councilman Curren Price was absent. The ordinance still requires a second council vote Tuesday before being sent to Mayor Karen Bass for final consideration. Once signed, the rate changes will take effect after 30 days.
City officials highlighted that the new fees would affect the city’s Solid Resources Program, which manages residential trash collection and related waste services. Under the proposed changes, single-family homes and duplexes will see a 54% increase, rising from $36.32 to $55.95 per month. Apartments with three to four units will face a 130% increase, jumping from $24.33 to $55.95 per month.
“This is a big jump for many families,” said a community housing advocate. “While the increase may be necessary for city operations, it will significantly impact household budgets.”
Bi-monthly bills from the Department of Water and Power could rise to $111.90 once the fee adjustments are in place. However, low-income residents who qualify for the city’s EZ-SAVE or Lifeline programs will still be eligible for reduced rates, city officials said.
The ordinance also outlines gradual increases over the next four fiscal years. By the 2029-30 fiscal year, rates for single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings could reach $65.93 per month, representing an additional 18% increase. Approximately 743,000 households, along with 474,000 residences that receive bulky item collection services, will be affected by the changes. Apartment buildings with five or more units currently pay the full fee.
City Council members emphasized that the increase is part of long-term planning to maintain high-quality sanitation services. “We understand the impact on residents,” said a council spokesperson. “But these adjustments are necessary to sustain essential waste management operations across the city.”
Appreciating your time:
We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.
Post a Comment:
In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.
Stay Connected:
Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.
