L.A. City Council Approves First Trash Fee Hike in 17 Years; Rates to Rise Next Month

L.A. City Council Approves First Trash Fee Hike in 17 Years; Rates to Rise Next Month

Story Credit - Westsidetoday.com

54% Increase Is Part of a Long-Delayed Plan to Stabilize Sanitation Services and Reduce the City’s Budget Deficit

The City Council on Tuesday signed off on the first increase to Los Angeles’ residential trash collection fees since 2008, advancing a plan city officials say is needed to stabilize sanitation services and reduce pressure on the general fund. The ordinance now goes to Mayor Karen Bass; once signed, it takes effect 30 days later, with higher charges appearing on customers’ bills next month.

The measure passed 11–2, with Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Adrin Nazarian opposed. Members Ysabel Jurado and Curren Price were absent.

• Single-family homes & duplexes: Monthly rate rises 54%, from $36.32 to $55.95.
• Apartments with 3–4 units: Monthly rate rises 130%, from $24.33 to $55.95.
• Billing: Reflected on the bi-monthly LADWP bill (about $111.90 for two months at the new base rate).
• Low-income relief: Discounts remain for customers in EZ-SAVE or Lifeline programs.

Beyond the immediate jump, the ordinance schedules an additional 18% in cumulative increases over the next four fiscal years, bringing the standard monthly charge to $65.93 by FY 2029–30 for single-family homes, duplexes and small apartment buildings.

City staff cited mounting costs for organic waste disposal, labor, and fleet/equipment maintenance, along with inflation. Sanitation’s Solid Resources Program has leaned on the general fund in recent years — including about $200 million this fiscal year — a subsidy officials say the new rates are designed to retire.

The adjustment applies to roughly 743,000 households and another 474,000 residences that receive bulky-item collection. (Large apartment buildings with five or more units already pay market rates.)

The council’s action follows a months-long Proposition 218 process requiring public notice, hearings and the chance for ratepayers to protest. Opponents did not gather enough signatures to block the change. After the mayor’s signature, the ordinance becomes law in 30 days.

With the new rates, Los Angeles moves closer to neighboring cities such as Burbank, Culver City, Long Beach and Santa Monica, while remaining on the lower end of the local range, according to city staff.

Mayor Bass included the increase in her 2025–26 budget proposal to help close an estimated $1 billion deficit. City officials say the higher sanitation fees will relieve the general fund and keep trash and organics services on a firmer footing.