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Placerville adopts franchise rate update after Waste Connections presentation
Summary
Waste Connections presented service metrics and diversion programs and the council approved a rate adjustment tied to the state CPI; the 35‑gallon residential rate will increase by $12 per month effective July 1, 2026. The presentation highlighted battery-bag safety, textile collection and a successful compost takeback program.
The Placerville City Council on May 12 heard the annual franchise report from Waste Connections and adopted a franchise rate adjustment effective July 1, 2026.
Sue Vanderinder, who manages several rural franchise accounts for Waste Connections, told the council the company serves about 3,000 residential and 400 commercial customers in the city. "We service over 3,000 residential customers and 400 commercial businesses within the city limits," Vanderinder said, and she highlighted diversion totals for the city: roughly 2,000 tons of organics removed from the landfill and about 1,400 tons of recycling in the last year.
Vanderinder detailed new and ongoing programs intended to reduce contamination and improve safety. The company moved to a battery-bag program (replacing battery jugs) to reduce truck fires, operates curbside and voucher programs for bulky items and hazardous materials, and runs a textile collection program using green drop-off containers. She also described a certified-organic compost takeback program: "We brought back over 500 tons of material," she said, noting the program exceeded its 2025 goals.
On rates, Vanderinder said franchise adjustments follow the California consumer price index measure; the CPI change this year was 3.09 percent. Under the proposed schedule, the typical 35‑gallon residential customer will see an increase of $12 per month; the change is effective July 1, 2026.
During the public hearing a senior resident described how Waste Connections provides side-yard service with a doctor’s note for customers who cannot move large bins on steep driveways; the council closed the hearing after brief public comment and moved to adopt the staff recommendation. The roll-call vote was recorded in favor by all council members present.
What it means: Residents should expect the rate change beginning July 1. The company and city emphasized outreach and education—QR codes on new carts, school and community engagement, lid-flipping education, and aggressive contamination reduction—to protect recycling and compost processing equipment and to keep the certified-organic compost program intact.
Next steps: The rate change takes effect July 1; residents with special service needs (for example, side-yard pickups for seniors) should contact Waste Connections for eligibility and documentation requirements.
