Board approves modest increases to county franchise waste collection rates amid calls for stronger zero-waste action

Stanislaus County on June 23 approved index-based adjustments to the maximum franchise rates charged by exclusive haulers for refuse and recycling collection in the county’s unincorporated franchise areas. The changes, effective July 1, 2026, were presented by the Department of Environmental Resources and approved by a 4-1 vote.

Staff explained the adjustments are the third index-based modification to the base rates set after earlier revisions to incorporate the requirements of SB 1383. The method applies CPI and other component indices (labor, fuel, collections, disposal, transfer fees, interest and franchise fee) to categories within each hauler’s base rate, which is grounded in the haulers’ submitted financial statements. The county’s formula also includes a 10 percent profit margin for haulers.

For residential accounts the proposed adjustments affect approximately 25,642 customers across four franchise areas; the most common residential increases ranged from roughly $0.53 in area four to $1.33 in area three depending on service configuration. For commercial customers the percentage adjustments ranged from about 2.4% to 2.8%, with dollar increases varying by bin size and service frequency (for a common two-yard bin picked up once per week increases ranged from approximately $2.45 to $3.03 across areas). Drop-box haul adjustments were presented in the $5.75–$7.07 range for 20–29 yard boxes.

Public commenters, including Bianca Lopez of Valley Improvement Projects, urged the county to pair any rate increases with stronger waste-reduction outreach and support for businesses (for example, assisting restaurants to comply with single-use plastic restrictions and expanding organics collection), and to provide clearer accounting of how rate-related funds and tipping fees are used. Steven Morrow, who has experience with regional transit and rate-setting, said he appreciated the modest level of the increase and urged long-term planning to reduce landfill disposal.

Tom Wulf and Fidelis Gines from DER explained that base rates are set after a cost review, then adjusted by indices for the four-year period following the base-rate setting. The county does not set the haulers’ actual charges below the approved maximums — haulers may charge up to the approved maximum.

Board members expressed reluctance about rate increases but many said they were persuaded that the index-based method and audited financial statements support the proposed adjustments. Supervisor Chance Condit (transcript: similar name variants) said he would oppose ongoing annual increases in principle but voted with the majority due to operational needs and the formula’s transparency.

The board approved the rate adjustments 4-1; staff will monitor costs and can consider interim adjustments under the established index approach if warranted.