County and cities discuss Republic Services' rate request as recycling law shifts costs
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Summary
Republic Services requested a rate increase; county staff reported the company reduced its ask after discussion of the Recycling Modernization Act and landfill tip-fee changes. Cities and county will see a consolidated rate presentation next month.
County solid-waste staff briefed councilors on pending rate requests from franchise haulers and the county's franchise agreement negotiations with Republic Services.
"Republic Services came in with a 6% increase," the county's presenter said. After discussions about the Recycling Modernization Act and landfill tip-fee changes, Republic trimmed its local request to about 4.7% for the county, staff said.
Tim Bernal and county staff said Cascade Disposal requested a 3% increase tied directly to an increase in landfill tip fees from $80 to $90 per ton. The county explained the Recycling Modernization Act will shift some recycling transportation and processing costs from ratepayers to producers, which could reduce recycling-related charges borne by customers.
Staff told council the county had asked Republic to include estimated Recycling Modernization Act funding in its calculations. Republic expressed concern the state program might not be implemented on schedule; staff reported indications that the program will begin July 1. Staff said the company agreed to lower its local ask in response to those discussions and that a joint county–city presentation from Republic and Cascade is planned for the coming month.
No rate action occurred at the session. Staff said the county and cities will continue franchise negotiations and will present final numbers and a formal rate request at the scheduled public hearings next month.