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RecycleMore presents new post‑collection agreement; Richmond residents face roughly 2–3% average increase starting Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore) briefed the council on a new post‑collection agreement that phases in fixed increases and CPI caps, producing a blended per‑ton rate that leads to an average residential increase of about 3% (varies by service level); the council adopted a resolution acknowledging receipt of the presentation.
Cliff Feldman, executive director of RecycleMore, presented the joint powers authority’s newly negotiated post‑collection agreement, which continues the service provider for up to 15 years with two optional five‑year extensions and adds provisions for SB 1383 compliance and enhanced reporting.
Feldman said the new contract sets a material‑specific rate (the core tonnage cost) at about $158.41 per ton for the first year and a blended per‑ton rate of roughly $195.82 when government fees, household hazardous waste programs, and the JPA budget are included. "For the first year, the material‑specific rate is $158.41," Feldman said, noting that the post‑collection component typically represents about 80% of the total cost basis.
Rate impact: Staff explained that the new post‑collection component will raise Richmond’s residential rates on average by just under 3% for common service levels (e.g., 32‑gallon residential service). Because commercial rates are assessed differently (cubic‑yard basis), the projected commercial increase is roughly 1.4% on the post‑collection portion.
Why it matters: The agreement addresses state mandates (SB 1383) and includes value‑added services and educational programming, but it increases household bills modestly. RecycleMore noted that many Bay Area cities are facing similar increases and that Richmond’s new near‑term rate remains comparable to regional peers.
Council action: The council adopted a resolution acknowledging receipt of the RecycleMore presentation and the expected post‑collection rate changes effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Next steps: The new contract’s rates will be applied to garbage bills beginning Jan. 1, 2026; staff will provide routine updates on implementation and compliance work associated with SB 1383.
