Arvada City Council approves waste fee increases and contract extension with Republic Services

The Arvada City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, focused on a significant resolution regarding the city's waste hauling program. The council discussed an amended fee schedule for solid waste services, which will take effect on July 1, 2025. This resolution includes a 3.5% increase in waste service fees, impacting residents' bills.

Jacqueline Rhodes, the director of infrastructure, presented the resolution, explaining that the fee adjustments are necessary to ensure the waste hauling program is fully funded through customer revenues. The minimum service fee, known as the opt-out fee, will remain at $4.55 per month until July 1, 2028. Residents can expect their monthly bills to increase by approximately 59 cents to 90 cents, depending on their cart size.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming Producer Responsibility Program for Recycling, which is set to begin in 2026. This program, under House Bill 22-1355, will reimburse municipalities for residential recycling collection. Rhodes noted that the city and Republic Services are closely monitoring this program's implementation and its potential effects on future pricing.

Council members raised questions about the clarity of the contract, particularly regarding roll-off services. It was clarified that roll-off services are not available to the public through the city's program, leading to some confusion among council members. The council agreed that the pricing documentation would be revised to eliminate any ambiguity.

The council ultimately had two options: to approve the resolution as presented or to delay the decision to allow for further negotiations regarding the Producer Responsibility Program. The council's decision will shape the future of waste management services in Arvada, ensuring that the program remains sustainable while adapting to new recycling initiatives.