Trash hauler asks Fairview to approve pass-through rate increases after Metro hikes disposal fees

Representatives of 12 Mile Disposal told the Fairview City Council on Aug. 20 that Metro's recent increases to disposal fees require a pass-through adjustment to local collection rates.

Chris Burbank, speaking for the hauler, said Metro's per-ton disposal charge —is now going up to $163.26,— which the presenter described as about an 18 percent increase over prior years. He said the company operates on a slim margin under its franchise agreement and that repeated Metro rate increases can eliminate that margin unless the city approves a pass-through to customers.

The company presented a table with proposed new monthly rates for residential containers and new commercial pricing tied to the updated disposal fee and asked council to direct staff to return with a resolution authorizing the pass-through. Staff said, if council directs it, a resolution would be prepared for the Sept. 5 meeting and customers would be notified thereafter, with new billing built in arrears (some customers might see the adjustment reflected in late-September billing cycles).

Councilors asked operational questions about how often increases might be requested and how the hauler handles smaller, once-a-month service options for customers who rarely generate food or organics. The hauler said it typically discourages 64-gallon once-a-month pickups for organic waste because of spoilage concerns and offered a —vacation— credit process for customers who temporarily need no pickup.

No council vote was taken at the Aug. 20 meeting; staff said they would prepare a resolution for the council to consider on Sept. 5 if the council asks for it.