Residents in West Contra Costa County will see a roughly 3 percent increase in their garbage bills starting this month following the launch of a new long-term waste processing agreement.
Managed by the regional agency RecycleMore, the new contract with West County Resource Recovery, Inc. officially took effect on Jan. 1. The partnership secures the processing of the region’s trash, recycling, and organic waste for the next 15 years, with service guaranteed through at least 2040.
The rate adjustement appears on utility bills as an increase to the Integrated Resource Recovery Facility (IRRF) charge. According to RecycleMore officials, the new agreement is necessary to fund facility upgrades required by Senate Bill 1383. This California law mandates that cities divert food scraps and organic waste away from landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond state compliance, the 3 percent increase maintains several essential community services. These include the sorting of recyclables, the processing of food waste into compost, and the safe disposal of landfill trash at Keller Canyon Landfill, according to officials. The funds also support hazardous waste drop-off sites, mattress recycling, and free community compost giveaways.
This agreement was negotiated by RecycleMore through a competitive bidding process. It covers the member cities of Richmond, San Pablo, Hercules, Pinole, and El Cerrito. It also includes unincorporated areas such as El Sobrante, North Richmond, Tara Hills, Rollingwood, East Richmond Heights, Bayview, and Montalvin Manor.
Local garbage bills are split into two primary categories. The collection fee pays for the trucks and drivers who pick up bins at the curb. The post-collection (IRRF) fee covers the processing and disposal of those materials once they leave the neighborhood. This new agreement specifically impacts the post-collection portion of the statement.
While the processing agreement is uniform across the region, total bill changes may vary for residents in El Cerrito and unincorporated West County. These areas may experience additional adjustments due to separate changes in their specific collection truck services.
To help manage monthly costs, RecycleMore reminds residents that rates are determined by the size of their trash bin. Residents who reduce their landfill waste by recycling and composting more effectively may be able to switch to a smaller, less expensive cart to lower their bill.
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