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Riverside council approves new commercial solid-waste fee structure after public hearing
Summary
The Riverside City Council on June 10 approved a proposed commercial solid-waste fee structure and a multi-year transition toward an exclusive franchise agreement after receiving three verified written protests and hearing public comments requesting equity analysis.
The Riverside City Council voted June 10 to adopt a proposed commercial solid-waste fee structure and a plan that would transition commercial collection toward an exclusive franchise over a multi-year period.
Staff presented the proposal and said the plan is intended to align rates with industry cost pressures, including CPI adjustments, higher processing and transfer costs, and new state requirements for organic-waste diversion. Cristi García, city staff, told the council the proposal covers commercial collection only and described a three-year transition that could culminate in an exclusive franchise agreement to be phased in through June 2028. García also reported the city had received three verified written protests before the hearing but no majority protest that would prevent adoption.
The proposal notes the industry has faced rising costs since China reduced recycling imports and that the city’s commercial solid-waste fund faces a projected $3.3 million deficit this fiscal year; staff estimated the proposed rate plan would generate about $160,000 in additional revenue in 2025–26 to help close that gap.
During the public comment period, speakers asked for clearer explanations of how commercial bills compare to residential charges and requested an equity analysis to understand impacts on small businesses. One caller identified as Adam, who said he serves as president of the local justice committee, urged an analysis of social equity and more outreach to small businesses and immigrant-owned operations.
After taking public comment and confirming the number of written protests, the council moved to adopt staff recommendations. The motion passed by voice vote with the mayor calling the motion approved; no roll-call tally was provided on the record.
Next steps: the adopted resolution will be effective as outlined unless a later majority protest is validated; staff said the city will continue outreach and has materials online for businesses to review the new rate structure.
