S.F. to Recology The rates are too damn high

San Francisco's Refuse Rate Board may approve a nearly 28% trash pickup rate increase starting in October, as proposed by refuse rates administrator Jay Liao. The adjustment aims to address rising operational costs and follows a previous 32% increase request from Recology. Liao noted that revenue from refuse rates has not kept up with inflation, which has risen by 17% in the Bay Area since 2019. A final hearing is scheduled for June 25, where the board is likely to approve the new rates. The establishment of the Refuse Rate Board in 2022 followed a corruption scandal that led to significant reimbursements to residents.

The proposed rates would still be lower than those in larger California cities like Los Angeles and Oakland. San Francisco successfully negotiated a reduction of $52 million from Recology's initial request by trimming operational costs. The board will also consider increasing city oversight over Recology's operations as part of the vote.