Information on Changes to Waste Management Rates and Services

 Effective May 1, 2024, a new agreement with Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) takes effect throughout the City of Albany. The agreement covers the collection and disposal of solid waste in landfills, composting of organic materials, and the collection materials suitable for recycling.

 In recognition of several calls and emails to the City, the following information is being provided to help explain the increases in costs to Albany residents and businesses.

 Background

 Until May 1, 2024, the collection of solid waste, recycling, and organic services were provided pursuant to an agreement entered into in 2021. New State laws, particularly Senate Bill 1383 requires the City to provide new programs, services, and infrastructure.

 In addition to new services, the escalation formulas in the previous agreement did not account for costs of purchase and maintenance of replacement collection vehicles, increases in costs of fuel, and increases salaries and associated benefits for Waste Management workers. Furthermore, the costs of disposal of collected materials have changed dramatically in recent years, particularly with respect to recycling and organic materials. Finally, significant changes in state law require more attention to both commercial and residential disposal practices, monitoring, and enforcement. As a result of all these changes, a new agreement was required, and regrettably fees charged to customers increased significantly.

 Change from Senior Discount to Low Income Discount

 In the past, the City has provided a senior discount for residents, which was not associated with income levels or financial need. As part of the City’s efforts to take into consideration equity for residents in the most vulnerable financial situation, the discount has been be shifted to households that can demonstrate enrollment in PG&E’s CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) Program. By using the CARE program, income verification is simply a matter of providing WMAC with a copy of a recent PG&E invoice.

 Contamination Monitoring

 Pursuant to State Law, the City is required to monitor continuation of collection bins. Rather than utilizing inspectors on a periodic basis, WMAC will assess container contamination using its Smart Truck technology which uses cameras to photograph waste bins as they are being emptied into truck. This technology allows the City to comply with reporting requirements. It also ensures that compost and recycling is clean as possible for future reuse.

 Changes in 10-gallon Services

 Under the previous agreement, some residents opted for a small 10-gallon solid waste container for materials to be taken to landfill. In discussion with Waste Management, it was determined that while the changes for 10-gallon services were significantly lower than larger cans, the actual cost of collection and disposal were nearly the same. In addition, the insert that converted a 20-gallon bin to a 10-gallon bin often fell out, resulting in customers having a 20-gallon bin but being charged for a 10-gallon level of services. In order to better align rates to actual service costs, the 10-gallon bins will be discontinued effective May 1, 2025, and customers at this service level will be transitioned to the 20-gallon garbage service level on that date.

 For more information:

 Please contact Waste Management by phone at 510-613-8710, or email to csnorthbay@wm.com.

 Please contact City of Albany staff, please contact Community Development Director Jeff Bond by phone at 510-528-5769, or email to jbond@albanyca.org.