Monday, March 15, 2010

Trash Collection Rates

Tonight at our 7:30 meeting, the City Council will be taking public comment on the upcoming trash collection rates.

Foster City has the lowest solid waste collection rates of any comparable city. However, as we move towards a better recycling system in 2012 and increased costs for ever less landfill space, the overall cost of trash collection is increasing.

Foster City does not make any profit on the collection of trash. We do, however, have a balancing account which is used to pay what the City is billed if the rates it bills to property owners in insufficient. We had such a situation this past year and used some of the balancing account.

In addition, starting in 2012 we are planning toward better recycling, including the recycling of food waste products. This too will result in increased costs for trash collection. Overall, we are expecting the costs to increase about 15% above and beyond the general 3% yearly increase that we have been experiencing.

Following a study session earlier this year, the City is recommending that for the upcoming year trash collection rates be increased by 4% with continuing increases over the next few years. This will require us to further deplete the balancing account, but will smooth out the impact on property owners. However, Foster City should still have among the lowest trash collection rates in the County.

If you want to learn more about this issue, come to the Council Chambers tonight starting at 7:30. See you there.

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