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Richmond raises residential garbage fees in phased increases
Summary
Richmond adopted a resolution raising 60- and 90-gallon garbage rates in phased steps through 2028, citing rising tipping and service costs and a garbage fund deficit; replacement cans will be 90 gallons and charged at the larger-can rate.
The Richmond City Council on June 16 adopted Resolution 2026-04, approving phased increases to residential solid-waste collection fees to address rising tipping and service costs and a year-to-date deficit in the garbage fund.
Justin B. Lewis, City Recorder, explained the proposal: effective July 1, 2026 the 60-gallon can rate will increase to $21.50 and the 90-gallon rate to $24.00, with additional $1 increases in each of the next two years (resulting in $23.50 and $26.00, respectively, by July 1, 2028). Lewis said the solid waste fund showed a year-to-date deficit of $8,152 and finished Fiscal Year 2025 with negative net income, prompting the change.
During the public hearing, Terrie Wierenga asked whether 60-gallon cans would be phased out; Lewis said existing 60-gallon cans will remain but replacement cans will be 90 gallons and billed at the 90-gallon rate. Residents asked the council to consider hardship exceptions for fixed-income households; council and staff noted City Code requires residences to have garbage service and that commercial services are handled separately.
The council voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2026-04. Staff said the garbage contract may be reviewed and rebid when it expires in 2028 and that the city owns the cans and does not charge for replacement cans beyond the difference in size.
