Belmont’s waste disposal rates are slightly increasing each month for most residents in 2026 by 1.45%, however, it’s the lowest percentage increase in several years.
Many cities throughout the county are also increasing their rates based on agreements with the waste collection and disposal firm Recology. According to a staff report, however, the franchise agreement between Belmont and Recology is slightly unique in that it is “based on a maximum rate formula that limits what Recology may charge and is not subject to a revenue reconciliation process at the end of each rate year.”
“Under the city’s amended and restated franchise agreement with Recology, the maximum rates for residential and commercial customers are recalculated each year using a formula-driven method specified in the contract,” Public Works Director Edric Kwan said during a council meeting Nov. 25. “Recology submitted its 2026 rate application in July, which included the base contractor increase and the pass-through costs tied to the disposal and agency fees.”
Residential carts range from 20 to 96 gallons in size, though about 90% of customers have the 20- and 32-gallon carts. Those two types of carts will see a monthly increase of less than $1, while the 64- and 96-gallon carts will go up by $1.40 and $2.10, respectively.
Commercial cart rates will range from $53.11 — for a 20-gallon cart picked up once weekly — to $1,286.73 for a 96-gallon picked up every day.
The rate increase is based on two main components, the base contractor amount and the pass-through cost. The former is largely based on the Consumer Price Index adjustment for the different costs.
The rate hike is subject to Proposition 218, which necessitates a mailed notice for the public hearing at least 45 days prior. If a majority of recipients submit written protests against the increase, the rate hikes will not be implemented; however, only two protests were received.
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