Long Beach Residents Face Waste Collection Fee Hike Amid New Organics Program Rollout

Residents of Long Beach are set to experience a significant increase in their waste collection fees as the city implements new adjustments to solid waste and recycling rates in 2025. This move has sparked widespread concern, as it coincides with the launch of the city’s Organics Collection Program, a state-mandated initiative aimed at reducing landfill waste by diverting food scraps and yard trimmings.

Fee Increases and Justifications

Under the new rate adjustments, single-family households will see a 15% hike in their monthly waste collection fees, while multifamily and commercial properties will experience even steeper increases. According to the Long Beach Department of Public Works, these fee hikes are necessary to cover rising operational costs, infrastructure improvements, and compliance with California’s waste reduction laws, particularly Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), which mandates a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025.

City officials argue that the changes are essential for building a more sustainable garbage management system. However, many residents feel blindsided by the financial burden, especially as they struggle with an already high cost of living. Small business owners have also raised concerns that increased waste collection fees will lead to higher operational costs, which could ultimately be passed down to customers.

Organics Collection Program and Additional Costs

The Residential Organics Collection Program, set to begin its first phase in October 2024, will require residents to separate food scraps and yard waste into newly provided green bins. Initially affecting 8,000 single-family and multifamily homes, the program will expand citywide by the end of 2025. To facilitate the transition, the city will provide educational materials and direct mailers to affected residents.

Officials emphasize that diverting organic waste from landfills is crucial for reducing methane emissions, a major contributor to climate change. However, opponents argue that the city should have explored alternative funding methods rather than placing the financial burden solely on residents. Many feel that the program lacks incentives or financial assistance to help households adapt to the new system.

Resident Concerns and Lack of Transparency

Critics of the rate increase highlight concerns over the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Some residents claim that the city failed to adequately communicate the cost implications of the organics program and that public input was minimal.

This is another tax on working families disguised as an environmental initiative, said one local resident. We all want a greener Long Beach, but not at the expense of making our utility bills unaffordable.

Moreover, some local businesses fear that the increased rates will lead to higher expenses, making it even harder for them to stay afloat. Many residents believe the city could have managed waste collection funds more effectively rather than passing costs onto the community.

What’s Next?

The Long Beach City Council is set to hold public hearings on the proposal, giving residents an opportunity to voice their concerns before the final decision is made. However, with the rate hikes already planned, many fear that their opposition will have little impact.

The rate adjustments are expected to be finalized later this year, with residents soon seeing the financial impact reflected in their waste collection bills. In the meantime, the city is encouraging residents to participate in educational efforts to ensure a smooth transition to the new organics collection system.

For more details on the rate changes, visit Long Beach Recycles. Information on the Organics Collection Program can be found here.