San Mateo ups residential waste collection rates by up to 16%, while commercial rates remain

“The city deferred Recology’s increases that exceeded 5% last year, a temporary deferral of $331,333, to 2026,” Gabe Sasser, project manager for HF & H Consultants, said.

The city also deferred some of the true cost increase between 2024 and 2025. The deferrals are part of a long-term plan, which started in 2021, for incremental adjustments to “bring them into alignment over time with their true cost of service,” according to a recent staff report.

For 20-gallon residential bins, San Mateo residents will see rates go up by $6, totaling about $42 monthly. Carts that are 32- and 64-gallons will go up by $6.25 and $6.50, respectively. The 96-gallon bins will increase by $4.16 to $107.24 total.

Commercial rates will not be affected, as they “currently meet their cost of service,” Sasser said. 

“Recology collections costs are increasing by more than 4% for 2026. These are based on Recology’s compensation application that is submitted each June and allows for inflationary increases as part of the city’s franchise agreement with Recology,” Sasser said, also noting the $331,333 deferral from last year as a factor in the rate increases. 

The increase is also subject to Proposition 218, which necessitates a notice of public hearing, which was mailed to property owners and Recology customers. Only 29 protests were received, giving way for the City Council to approve the change, which was unanimously approved during the March 16 meeting.