Council approves 2.1% solid‑waste rate increase; green‑waste program deferred for more study

The Seaside City Council approved a 2.1% solid‑waste rate adjustment proposed by franchise hauler Recology Northern Oregon and deferred a proposal to spread green‑waste collection costs across all residential ratepayers.

Recology representatives summarized the rate review and said the requested 2.1% increase reflects an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment tied to the consumer price index; Dan Blue, Recology government relations manager, told the council the change would equal about 68¢ a month for a typical 90‑gallon curbside residential customer.

Recology presented three green‑waste options: 1) add citywide funding for 20‑yard dumpsters at a visitors‑center location (estimated at $2.18 per month per residential customer at current service levels); 2) a voluntary “window‑cling” program that lets residents dump yard waste at the Astoria transfer station for a $1.42 per month charge; or 3) a combined option. Recology said the proposal would maintain the current frequency of drop‑box service while offering alternatives used in nearby cities.

Councilors expressed concern about charging every household for a service used primarily by homeowners with larger lots, about enforcement of residential‑only use of drop boxes, and about shifting workload from public works to a contractor without clear resident buy‑in. Councilors asked staff for more data on how often residents use the current boxes, the staff time devoted to the city’s current green‑waste handling, and potential alternatives such as subscription or curbside options.

After discussion, the council adopted the resolution to implement the 2.1% inflation adjustment called for in the franchise agreement and declined to add a city‑wide green‑waste charge at this time; staff was directed to return with more detailed cost and utilization information for council review. The motion to approve the resolution passed with no recorded nays.