Lebanon council approves 2.4% Republic Services rate increase; company proposes cutting recycling events and outlines new state recycling rules

The Lebanon City Council on Oct. 8 approved a 2.4% rate increase from Republic Services for curbside refuse service, and representatives for the franchise hauler told the council they plan to reduce the number of small recycling events in Lebanon from four to two because of very low turnout.

Republic Services presenter Julie Jackson said the company uses a refuse-rate index that weights changes in the consumer price index and landfill disposal costs. "The percentage of change is 2.2% this year, which at a weight of 65% is a 1.4% increase," Jackson said, and a 3.9% disposal increase at Coffin Butte Landfill, weighted at 25%, adds roughly 1 percentage point, producing a total 2.4% increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. City staff told the council the municipal code requires a council resolution when the hauler raises rates; the council passed Resolution 2025-18 to approve the adjustment.

Jackson also asked the council for permission to reduce on‑site recycling events. She said Republic has run four small events — a spring recycle roundup, an annual hazardous‑waste…