Redwood City raises garbage rates

“There are things that the city is trying to do to make the burden a little more manageable,” City Manager Melissa Stevenson-Diaz said. "Nobody likes raising rates but these are necessary to make sure our system is there when everybody needs it.” 

Approximately 85% of residential customers in Redwood City are subscribed to the 20- or 32-gallon cart service. 

The current rates for garbage collection lower the costs for households that use 20- and 32-gallon carts to promote waste reduction, which has seen the desired result. Approximately 85% of residential customers in Redwood City subscribe to the two smaller gallon carts. 

Despite some residents asking whether the increase in rates could be a proportional percentage increase, rather than a flat cost increase, the increase of $6 across the board is necessary for revenue. 

Without the rate increases, Redwood City would be burdened with covering a deficit of $1.8 million for service. 

Unscheduled service rates will also increase by 2.439% for 2026 and 2027. 

Councilmember Jeff Gee proposed that city staff look into decreasing the frequency of garbage collection, or other innovative ideas, to help decrease the cost of services. Councilmembers Marcella Padilla and Diane Howard both shared their concerns about this effect on the quality of life of neighborhoods. 

The city offers the Utilities Rate Assistance Program, which is eligible for residents who earn less than 50% of the county’s area median income a year. The program offers a credit between $10 and $16 a month for solid waste.