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Oregon City adopts new solid-waste rate schedule, holds smallest-cart price
Summary
The City Commission approved Resolution 26-12 on June 3, 2026, adopting alternate rate Option B to raise solid-waste collection and disposal fees effective July 1, 2026; staff said most increased costs stem from Metro disposal tipping fees that have risen sharply in recent years.
Oregon City commissioners voted June 3 to adopt Resolution 26-12, approving a revised solid-waste collection and disposal rate schedule that keeps the 20‑gallon cart at its current price while applying a 6.95% increase to larger cart sizes and multifamily rates.
Public Works Director Dana Webb and representatives of the local hauler presented two options to the commission. Webb said staff initially recommended a flat 6.95% across all cart sizes but offered an alternate Option B at a commissioner’s request that holds the smallest cart price steady. Webb framed the adjustment as a response to higher disposal costs at the regional level: “disposal is the single largest piece of our cost structure. It’s 30% of our cost structure, and those costs have increased 80% in the last 6 years,” she told the commission.
Will Mathias of Oregon City Garbage Company explained that disposal (tipping) and transport expenses drive much of the increase, and described steps the hauler takes to notify customers about smaller-cart options and Recycle Plus participation. Mathias said the company will include information with billing and outreach: “when customers call … we make sure to point out options available.”
Commissioners asked about multifamily rates, customer uptake of smaller carts, and program outreach. Council members pressed staff to make information visible on online bills as well as mailed statements so customers who pay online receive the same notices. Staff said Recycle Plus has about 150 local subscribers and has room to expand.
After discussion the commission moved to adopt Resolution 26-12 with rate Option B. The motion carried on roll call.
The new schedule becomes effective July 1, 2026; staff and the hauler said the change reflects largely uncontrollable regional disposal-cost increases rather than local service reductions.
