LA trash fees could soon nearly double. Here's what you should know

The city of Los Angeles could soon raise trash collection rates for the first time in 15 years, nearly doubling what some residents pay.

Single-family homes could climb from $36.32 per month to $65.93 by the 2029-30 fiscal year, while multi-family units could rise to the same rate from $24.33

The cost of extra trash containers could triple to $18.44.

Low income residents may receive a 30% discount on the $65 fee and free extra bins.

The adjustment would bring L.A.'s hauler rates more in line with those of Burbank, Culver City, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance and Long Beach.

The first of the rate hikes could go into place Jan. 1, 2026.

Background

In March, the Bureau of Sanitation asked the L.A. City Council to consider a rate hike to make up for big budget gaps, writing that the current waste collection fees aren’t enough to pay for operations.

The Public Works and Energy Environment committees are meeting Wednesday to discuss the rate hike proposal.

The need to raise rates is the result of several factors, according to the department. There’s been a substantial increase in costs for materials, labor and vehicles over 15 years. California’s green waste recycling program costs more than $66 million each year to comply with. And while the department used to be paid $6 million a year for recyclables, that changed in 2017 after the recycling market collapsed. They now pay $20 million annually.

To make up for budget shortfalls, the sanitation program has been supported with money from the general fund, which pays for city services.

If the rate hikes don’t go into place, the general fund would have to cover an estimated 40% of the costs associated with the trash program through the next fiscal year, to the tune of $229 million, according to the analysis submitted by the Bureau of Sanitation. If the rate changes go into effect, the general fund subsidy could come to an end.

Meanwhile, L.A. is currently facing a $1-billion budget deficit.

Before rate hikes proceed there need to be public hearings, which is an opportunity for you to register your opinion.

Assuming things proceed, an ordinance will then need to be voted on by the L.A. City Council before it heads to Mayor Karen Bass's desk for approval.