Council considers annual solid‑waste rate increase as franchisee highlights recycling and outreach

City staff and franchisee representatives briefed the City Council on a proposed annual rate adjustment for residential and commercial solid‑waste and recycling services under the city’s 2019 franchise agreement with Escondido Disposal Inc. (EDI).

Kit Silva, utilities environmental programs manager, summarized the franchise agreement (effective through June 30, 2030), the Proposition 218 process that governs annual rate adjustments, and the mechanism for increases. Silva said the San Diego Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers increased by 3.8341% (2024–2025) and that the franchise fee—separate from the CPI adjustment—is scheduled to increase from 13.5% to 14% in 2026. Silva explained solid‑waste rates are composed of four components: a base fee (CPI‑based), a franchise fee, an AB 939 fee to support recycling and waste‑reduction programs, and a household hazardous‑waste fee.

Silva presented example account impacts: a typical commercial 3‑yard bin serviced weekly would see a total increase of $6.18 (reflecting the CPI and franchise fee changes), and a typical residential account would increase by $1.35 per month. Silva also compared Escondido’s rates with nearby cities, noting Escondido is currently lower but that calendar‑year scheduling differences affect year‑to‑year rankings.

Silva highlighted partnership items with EDI, including EDI’s investment in an anaerobic digester facility to divert organics from landfill, annual e‑waste and compost events, assistance with state reporting mandates and a two‑week Christmas‑tree recycling program. Silva recommended adoption of Resolution 2025‑141 authorizing the annual residential and commercial solid‑waste and recycling rate adjustments.

Prior to discussion, a councilmember stated they had received a campaign contribution from principals of EDI and recused themself from the remainder of the item; Deputy Mayor Martinez served as chair for that portion of the meeting. Councilmembers asked whether there were additional resident costs for e‑waste or other special collection events and requested improved outreach about household hazardous‑waste disposal and multilingual materials (including Vietnamese).

Matthew Cleary, EDI general manager, reported EDI has launched an Instagram account (eco waste and recycling) and offered to share public‑service announcements (PSAs) about hazardous materials; he noted lithium batteries should not be placed in regular trash or recycling because they can start fires. Councilmembers praised EDI’s diversion work and partnership and asked staff and EDI to enhance consumer outreach.

A councilmember moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑141 and another councilmember seconded. The council proceeded to vote (the transcript records "Voting 7.") and the meeting continued with councilmember reports and no further public comments recorded in the transcript.