Milwaukee City Council reviews rising solid waste rates amid regulatory changes

During the recent Milwaukie City Council Work Session, discussions centered on the rising costs of solid waste management and the implications for local residents. The council reviewed proposed rate adjustments for solid waste services, highlighting a significant increase in disposal fees and operational costs that could affect household expenses.

Chris Bell, a consultant from Bell and Associates, presented an analysis of the city's solid waste contracts, noting that the costs associated with collection and disposal have been steadily increasing. He pointed out that labor costs are expected to rise by 3% due to union contracts, while the organic disposal fee has increased by 6.9%. This is particularly relevant as the city has seen a notable rise in the cost of waste disposal over the past five years, with increases averaging 13% annually.

One of the key issues discussed was the impact of food waste mixed with yard debris on disposal costs. The council learned that the processing of mixed waste incurs higher fees, which could lead to an estimated $1.82 difference in rates compared to neighboring areas. This has raised questions among residents about the benefits of including food waste in their yard debris collection.

The expiration of a tax credit for compressed natural gas, which Waste Management has utilized for its collection trucks, is also expected to contribute to a $74,000 increase in costs. This change will likely be reflected in the rates charged to residents, further complicating the financial landscape for solid waste services.

As the council continues to evaluate these proposed rate changes, the discussions underscore the challenges of managing solid waste in a regulated environment while balancing the financial burden on residents. The council aims to ensure that any adjustments are fair and transparent, keeping the community's needs at the forefront of their decision-making process.