Sunnyvale residents will see a 4.9% increase in waste management fees starting October 1, 2025, as announced during the recent Town Council meeting. Christy Grama, the new municipal manager for Republic Services, presented the annual fee adjustment, which is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past year.

Grama highlighted the importance of community engagement and education regarding waste disposal practices. She reported that the town's recycling rates have improved significantly, with a 10.5% increase in recyclable materials collected from January to August 2025 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, residential trash weights have decreased by 4.5%, indicating a positive trend towards more sustainable waste management.

The council discussed potential adjustments to the waste collection services, including the possibility of reducing the frequency of trash pickups from two days to one, while considering an increase in the size limit for bulk and brush pickups. Grama assured the council that Republic Services is open to customizing services to better meet the needs of Sunnyvale residents.

Additionally, Grama introduced a new mobile app designed to streamline communication between residents and Republic Services. The app allows users to easily access information about their waste collection schedules and request additional services, enhancing convenience for the community.

As the town moves towards more automated waste collection methods, Grama emphasized the importance of educating residents about proper waste disposal practices to ensure a smooth transition. The council expressed interest in further discussions about the future of waste management services in Sunnyvale, aiming to keep residents informed and engaged in the process.