City of Fresno waste disposal photo

Residents living in Fresno will be paying higher rates for their solid waste collection starting next month.

On Thursday, the Fresno City Council voted to increase in solid-waste charges in the city, the first increase in rates since 2009.

The decision was approved following a 5-2 vote in Thursday’s meeting. Council members Garry Bredefeld and Luis Chavez both voted against the rate increase.

The rate increase will take effect on July 1.

The increase, which will eventually see rates climb to more than $45/month will see the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) implementing a gradual rate adjustment over a 5-year period.

Next month, the rate for the basic service will increase to $30.87 per month, a $5.50 increase from the current $25.37 per month.

The new alternative service level rate is $28.12.

Rates for each service level will increase gradually on July 1 of year until July 2029.

The new rates will apply to residents living in single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes and receiving weekly solid waste, recycling, and green waste/organic material collection services from the FPU.

Earlier this year, the DPU started the process of updating its rates as required by California’s Proposition 218.

Notices were mailed to all property owners and rate-paying customers in May to inform them about the proposed update.

The notices include a protest card and pre-paid envelope to protested the rate increases but a simple majority vote of 50% plus one was not reached.

Service for 96-gallon solid waste service rates will increase to $30.87 in 2025.

Annual rate increases will be:

–In 2026 the rate will increase to $35.30, a $4.63 cent increase.

–In 2027 the rate will increase to $38.70, a $3.20 increase.

–In 2028 the rate will increase to $41.99 , a $.3.29 increase.

–In 2029 the rate will incrase to $45.24, a $3.25 increase.