Long Beach Recycles

Collection Rates

2025 Waste Rate Adjustments​ 

In late 2023, the City of Long Beach’s Public Works Department conducted a thorough Solid Waste Cost-of-Service Rate Study (Study) to review current rates and costs associated with providing our existing solid waste collection services, as well as to evaluate the cost to implement a residential organics collection program. This is essential to ensure our ability to maintain current services and to comply with the State of California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Strategy (SB 1383).

The results of the study indicate that the current rates for solid waste collection services are insufficient to cover the actual costs of providing these essential services. Additionally, the study provided residential organics collection rates that are projected to cover the current costs required to provide this state-mandated service.

The proposed rate adjustments would be implemented in two phases:  

Submit Written Protest

Residents with City-serviced solid waste collection services are encouraged to review the rate study and submit a written protest in any of the following ways:

• By mail
• Electronically at this page
• In person at the City Clerk’s Office

All written and electronic protests must be received by the City Clerk no later than March 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
More information on submitting protests

Public Hearing Information

A Proposition 218 public hearing to review the proposed rate adjustments will be held on:

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: City Council Chambers
Address: 411 W. Ocean Blvd.

Residents with City-serviced solid waste collection services are encouraged to attend the meeting.

For further information on the rate adjustments, see the following documents: 

• City of Long Beach Solid Waste Cost-of-Service Rate Study
• List of Long Beach Solid Waste Rates and Proposed Increases
• Proposition 218 Notice (English)
• Proposition 218 Notice (Khmer)
• Proposition 218 Notice (Spanish)
• Proposition 218 Notice (Tagalog)
• City Briefing Memo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Proposition (Prop) 218?

  In 1996, California voters adopted Proposition 218, which among other things, establishes a specific process for cities to impose or increase certain types of rates. Proposition 218 provides that certain “property-related” rates are subject to a noticed public hearing and “majority protest” process. Solid waste collection rates are property-related rates under Proposition 218.  As a property owner, you have a right to submit a protest to the proposed rate adjustments.The proposed rate adjustments may move forward unless a majority (50% +1) of property owners submit written protests or if the City Council does not vote in favor of the proposal. 

• Why are these rate adjustments needed?

  SB 1383, an unfunded state bill, requires a statewide reduction of organic waste sent tolandfills by 75%. This bill also mandates that municipalities, including Long Beach, provideresidential and business organics collection services. To comply with these requirementsand sustain refuse collection service with the overall rising costs of other waste collection,the City will need to adjust solid waste rates. These adjustments are needed to:

  • Implement the residential organics collection program.
  • Increase in the recycling services contract with Waste Management
  • Change to current services (e.g., increased vehicle maintenance costs, acquisition ofsupport vehicles, new software) and large, anticipated changes to current services(e.g., negotiated increase in driver labor costs, changes in solid waste transfer anddisposal arrangements).
  • Build reserves to meet minimum reserve targets.

  Long Beach Disposal Costs by Fiscal Year (FY)
  
  
  

• When was the last time the City raised solid waste collection rates?

  The last solid waste rate increase took effect on October 1, 2023, months before the proposed May 1, 2025 rate adjustment.

• Is the City considering additional rate increases?

  Currently, only May 1, 2025, and August 1, 2025, rate increases are being proposed.

• How are rates determined?

  Rates are determined by:

  • Service type (residential or commercial)
  • Container size
  • Pickup frequency

  A detailed rate analysis, including proposed adjustments, is outlined in the City of Long Beach Solid Waste Cost-of-Service Rate Study  (available as of January 24, 2025). The study may also be requested in person from the City Clerk’s Office on the lobby level at 411 W. Ocean Blvd.

• Are we the only city experiencing an increase in rates for solid waste services?

  No. The costs associated with the proposed rate increase will affect most, if not all, jurisdictions in Los Angeles County and the State. Costs associated with SB 1383 and recycling markets will impact solid waste rates across California.

• How was the rate study conducted?

  In late 2023, Public Works retained Hilton, Farnkopf, and Hobson Consultants, LLC (HF&H), to conduct a comprehensive Cost of Service Study for refuse, recycling and organics collection services.  The objective of the Study was to develop recommendations for implementing residential organics collection rates and for an updated rate structure that reflect current costs of service, as-well-as including costs for administering programs to meet requirements and ensure compliance with all State mandated programs. 

• Why is the City phasing in the residential organics collection program?

  The City is gradually rolling out organics collection to ensure proper education, outreach, and smooth implementation. Organics service is planned to be introduced in phases throughout 2025.

• If I already compost at home, do I still need the new organics cart?

  Yes. SB 1383 requires all properties with waste collection to have organics service. While home composting is encouraged, the City’s organics program accepts additional materials that cannot be backyard composted, such as:

  • Food-soiled paper
  • Larger branches and clean wood waste
  • Meat and dairy

• What if my waste is collected by a private company?

  This rate adjustment and organics rollout only applies to City-serviced accounts. Commercial properties and multi-family residences already participate in organics recycling through private haulers. If you live in an apartment, your property manager should provide information on your building’s organics program.

• Will I be charged for organics service if I don’t have an organics cart yet?

  No. The solid waste and recycling rates will increase on May 1, 2025, but residential organics charges are effective August 1, 2025, and will only be applied once you receive an organics cart.

• Where does the collected organic waste go?

  The City first transports organic material to a local transfer station, then it is hauled to one of three private facilities where it is converted into compost for industrial and agricultural use:

  • Recology Blossom Valley Organics
  • Sage Ranch Compost
  • American Organics Composting Facility

  Learn more about the Organics Collection Program
  

• What are the requirements for submitting a protest?

  All protests must be in writing and include an original signature and must be submitted as set forth below. Protests submitted by e-mail as well as verbal protests, will not be counted toward a “majority protest.” You may file a written protest in one of three ways:

  • By Mail: Must be received by the City Clerk by March 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
  • Electronically: Submit online by March 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
  • In Person: Deliver a written protest at the Proposition 218 Public Hearing on March 11, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. (City Council Chambers, 411 W. Ocean Blvd.)

  You must sign the written protest and include:

  • (a) your name,
  • (b) your street address,
  • (c) your solid waste service account number,
  • (d) and whether you are a residential and/or commercial customer

  Please identify on the front of the envelope that the enclosed letter is for the “2025 Solid Waste Rate Adjustment Public Hearing.” Only one written protest will be counted per identified parcel. The same information must be included with any electronic protests.
  View more information

• When will the City Council vote on the rate adjustments?

  March 11, 2025
  3:30 p.m.
  City Council Chambers (411 W. Ocean Blvd.)
  View more information

• Who can I contact if I have more questions?

  Contact us at (562) 570-2876