Comments
LA WATCHDOG - Our most recent bill from the Department of Water and Power had a nasty surprise as the rate increases for the Solid Waste Charges (trash) became effective on January 1, 2026. Our monthly rate will jump to almost $56 from $36.33, an increase of 54%. On annual basis, the annual charge goes from $218 to $336, a bump of $118.
Over the next four years, the trash charge will increase to $66 a month on January 1, 2030, or $132 in our bimonthly bill. The annual cost will then be $400, an 80% bump over the rate as of December 31, 2025, or almost $200.
[Note: the existing rate for three- and four-unit dwellings is $24.33. Their rate increase is 130%. Apartment buildings (five units or more) are served by commercial carriers operating in exclusive zones under the expensive recycLA program.]
In addition, the fees for extra black, blue, and green barrels have increased substantially, in the range of 50% to 100%.
This increase in the trash charge was long overdue. The last increase was in 2008, in large part because Mayor Garcetti was unwilling to take the flack that would come with any rate increase. According to Sanitation, if the charge had kept up with inflation, the rate would be more than $60 a month.
Other reasons for the rate increase include state mandated composting requirements, the significantly higher costs of environmentally friendly trucks, higher costs associated with oversight and maintenance of landfills, and, of course, the impact of budget busting labor agreements.
Underlying the significant bump in rates is that the City’s cash stressed General Fund cannot afford to continue to subsidize the operation of this proprietary operation. Unfortunately, in the rush to approve the fate increase, we were not privy to any financial, operational information, or any metrics to determine whether Sanitation was and is an efficient operation.
In 2026, Sanitation would be well advised to improve its outreach to Neighborhood Councils and Angelenos so that we can have a better understanding of the trash collection organization, its finances, its management, its operations, and key performance indicators (efficiency). A model would be the Department of Water and Power that has developed a successful relationship with the Neighborhood Councils and Ratepayers.
Here's to greater transparency.
(Jack Humphreville writes the LA Watchdog column for CityWatch, where he covers city finances, utilities, and accountability at City Hall. He is President of the DWP Advocacy Committee, serves as the Budget and DWP representative for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, and is a longtime Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate. With a sharp focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency, Jack brings an informed and independent voice to Los Angeles civic affairs. He can be reached at [email protected].)
