SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 3/17/2026 Item No. 15 (26-259) Refuse Rate
Adjustments
Upcoming Changes to Services and
Fees
March 17, 2026
Key Issues Affecting Refuse
Services and Rates
• New Agreement and Price Increases for County
Landfill Disposal - WISE Agreement
• New Organics Recycling Programs and Rates for
Compliance with State Mandates per SB 1383
County Landfill Disposal
• New County-wide Waste Infrastructure System
Enterprise disposal agreement (WISE) to replace
current Agreement expiring June 30, 2026
• WISE was evaluated & negotiated by a committee of
cities via the OC City Managers Association
• 85% increase in landfill disposal fees due to County’s increased costs for operating and regulatory compliance • A phased rate structure over three years to smooth the impact on customers
Change in State Law
• SB 1383 mandates that all California residents and
businesses recycle organics
• City + Republic must develop and implement
programs to collect and recycle food scraps and other
organic material
Proposed Solutions
• Adopt WISE Agreement
• Guaranteed landfill capacity at preferred rates
• Amend Republic Franchise
• SB 1383 services are not part of current
agreement
• Adopt rates to pay for the increased costs and
new services
Proposed New Rates
• Commercial and Multi-family via Republic Services
• 12-14% increase for trash + recycling
• Rates for services vary by container size and
amount of service
• Residential (3 carts at curb)
• Food scraps → green cart
• $29.06 → $36.64 starting July 2, 2026
Upcoming Action Items
Notification to Residential Customers
• Direct mail not later than April 3
Conduct Public Hearing & Adopt Rates
Ordinance Amending Republic Franchise
Questions?