HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2601-5866CITY OF PALO ALTO
Finance Committee
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Agenda Item
3.Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Amending the Utility Rate
Schedule R-1 for Residential Refuse Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for
Commercial Refuse Collection Reflecting a 3.0 Percent Rate Increase for Fiscal Year 2027;
CEQA status – Exempt under Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA
Guidelines 15378(b)(4) Staff Presentation
Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Report #:2601-5866
TITLE
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a Resolution Amending the Utility Rate Schedule
R-1 for Residential Refuse Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse
Collection Reflecting a 3.0 Percent Rate Increase for Fiscal Year 2027; CEQA status – Exempt
under Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(4)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize a 3.0 percent rate increase to Refuse rates; and
2. Adopt the resolution amending current Utility Rate Schedule R-1 for Residential Refuse
Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse Collection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed 3% Refuse rate adjustment for Fiscal Year 2027 will align the solid waste
revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and reduce reliance on the Rate
Stabilization Reserve.
BACKGROUND
Refuse rates are designed to recover the City’s costs of collecting, transporting, processing,
recycling, composting, and disposing of materials collected curbside, as well as providing
extensive waste diversion services, and compliance with State and local regulatory
requirements. The rates are based on the customer level of container size subscription, which
provides a comprehensive suite of essential services including the following:
Garbage Service: weekly curbside collection of the black garbage container, processing
the garbage at the GreenWaste Recovery Material Recovery Facility in San Jose, and
landfilling the residual at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District Landfill.
Recycling Service: weekly curbside collection of the blue recycling container and sorting
the recyclables into saleable commodities at the GreenWaste Recovery Charles Street
Recycling Material Recovery Facility in San Jose.
Compost Service: weekly curbside collection of the green compost container and
processing and anaerobic digestion of yard trimmings and food scraps at the Zero Waste
Energy Development facility in north San Jose to produce compost and energy.
Street Sweeping Service: weekly street sweeping services during the leaf season and bi-
weekly sweeping the rest of the year.
Clean Up Day: pre-scheduled twice a year collection of large bulky items, extra
contained garbage, recyclables and yard trimmings, and collection of reusable items,
clothing and books.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) service: weekly collection program at the HHW
Station located at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
Palo Alto Landfill post closure maintenance and monitoring: ongoing maintenance and
monitoring at the closed Palo Alto Landfill.
Miscellaneous other programs such as home composting, permanent compost giveaway
station, zero waste events, outreach, utility billing, Zero Waste compliance programs,
and compliance with State and local regulatory requirements such as SB 1383.
The Refuse Fund has not adjusted commercial rates since Fiscal Year 20171 and residential rates
since Fiscal Year 20182 while continuing to provide these essential services and programs. To
maintain service levels during this period without raising rates, the City has relied on the Refuse
Fund’s Rate Stabilization Reserve (RSR).
ANALYSIS
The proposed 3% Refuse rate adjustment is needed for Fiscal Year 2027 to better reconcile the
solid waste revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and to minimize
reliance on the RSR. Staff reviewed the City’s costs of providing refuse collection services and
determined that the 3% increase will not exceed those costs. However, staff is conducting a
more detailed cost of service analysis and comprehensive review of future financial needs and
reserve requirements, and will use the results to confirm cost allocation to inform next year’s
rate-setting actions.
The attached resolution (Attachment A) amending current Utility Rate Schedule R-1 for
Residential Refuse Rates (Attachment B) and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse
1 City Council, June 13, 2016; Agenda Item #9; SR #6932
2 City Council, June 19, 2017; Agenda Item 14; SR #8171
Rates (Attachment C) implements a 3% percent rate increase across all sectors in Fiscal Year
2027 to provide sufficient funds to meet increasing operating expenses, increased expenses
related to the cost-of-living adjustments based on multiple indices required in the City’s solid
waste contracts, including GreenWaste of Palo Alto and GreenWaste Recovery contracts which
account for 76% of fund expenses, increased cost for street sweeping and the post-closure
monitoring of the City’s closed landfill, and to reduce the reliance on the Refuse Fund RSR.
Table 1: Current Residential and Proposed Rate Change in Fiscal Year 2027
Container Size Current Monthly Rates Proposed FY2027
Monthly Rates
Change
($)
20-gallon $27.81 $28.64 $0.83
32-gallon $50.07 $51.57 $1.50
64-gallon $100.15 $103.15 $3.00
96-gallon $150.22 $154.72 $4.50
Table 2: Regional Residential Monthly Rate Comparison, Fiscal Year 2026 Rates
City X-Small
(20-24 gal
cart)
Diff vs Palo
Alto
($)
% Diff vs
Palo Alto
Small
(32-35 gal
cart)
Diff vs Palo
Alto
($)
% Diff vs
Palo Alto
Palo Alto $27.81 $50.07
Campbell $42.55 $14.74 53%$52.68 $2.61 5%
Cupertino $43.48 $15.67 56%$46.24 -$3.83 -8%
Hayward $31.20 $3.39 12%$45.59 -$4.48 -9%
Los Altos $49.89 $22.08 79%$53.75 $3.68 7%
Los Altos Hills $44.67 $16.86 61%$62.27 $12.20 24%
Los Gatos $45.94 $18.13 65%$57.22 $7.15 14%
Menlo Park $50.31 $22.50 81%$58.64 $8.57 17%
Monte Sereno $53.33 $25.52 92%$66.33 $16.26 32%
Mountain View $37.55 $9.74 35%$50.05 -$0.02 0%
Redwood City $44.87 $17.06 61%$58.86 $8.79 18%
San Jose N/A ——$54.51 $4.44 9%
Santa Clara $43.89 $16.08 58%$53.68 $3.61 7%
Saratoga $46.98 $19.17 69%$58.33 $8.26 16%
Sunnyvale*N/A ——$41.98 -$8.09 -16%
Average $43.27 $15.46 $54.01 $3.94
Palo Alto’s
rates compared
to average rate
-36%-7%
*Split cart
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The proposed 3% increase in rates is expected to increase annual rate revenue to the Refuse
Fund by $1,005,186 compared to current Fiscal Year 2026 year-end estimated revenues and, if
recommended, the proposed revenue adjustment will be reflected in the Public Works
Department Refuse Fund Fiscal Year 2027 proposed Operating Budget.
Table 3 shows the Refuse Fund RSR balance for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. This projection
models the recommended 3% rate increase in Fiscal Year 2027. The RSR balance, as shown in
Table 3, is projected to decline in Fiscal Year 2026 as a result of increased routine operating
contract expenses, extra street sweeping in areas with parked oversized vehicles, as well as one-
time increased expenses related to the GreenWaste of Palo Alto contract amendment approved
by City Council in December 2025. Operating revenues, expenses, and the RSR are being
evaluated through a comprehensive cost of service analysis. Upon completion, the results will be
presented to the Finance Committee for review and recommendations to City Council.
Table 3: Refuse Fund Summary and Budget Forecast
Budget Category in Millions FY 2025
Actuals
FY 2026
Estimate
FY 2027
Estimate
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(beginning)
16.5 15.5 10.8
Revenues 34.2 33.5 34.5
Expenses 35.2 35.5 36.1
Operating Income (1.0)(2.0)(1.6)
Other Changes to Reserves (2.7)(0.6)
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(ending)
15.5 10.8 8.6
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community stakeholders will receive a mailed notification, as required by Proposition 218, 45
days before the City Council date in June.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of changes to the refuse rate schedule is exempt from CEQA under Public Resources
Code section 21080(b)(8) because it consists entirely of the establishment, modification,
structuring, restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares, or other charges necessary to (1)
meet operating expenses, (2) purchase or lease supplies, equipment or materials, (3) meet
financial reserve needs and requirements, or (4) obtain funds for capital projects necessary to
maintain service within the City’s existing service area. This action is also not subject to CEQA
under CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(4), because it is a government fiscal activity that does not
involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant
physical impact on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending Current Residential Rate Schedule R-1 and Current
Commercial Rate Schedule R-C
Attachment B: Residential Rate Schedule R-1 to be effective July 1, 2026
Attachment C: Commercial Rate Schedule R-C to be effective July 1, 2026
APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer
1
0290192_20260302_ms29
Resolution No. ______
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the
Utility Rate Schedules R-1 and R-C to Increase Refuse Rate for
Fiscal Year 2027
R E C I T A L S
A. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the City Council
may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services and the fees and
charges therefor; and
B. The City has considered the need for an adjustment in refuse collection rates to
reconcile the solid waste revenues with the projected costs of providing refuse services and to
minimize reliance on the Refuse Fund Rate Stabilization Reserve levels and has determined that
the proposed refuse collection rates do not exceed the costs of providing refuse collection
services; and
C. Pursuant to Article XIIID Sec. 6 of the California Constitution and Government
Code Section 53755, on June 15, 2026 the Council of the City of Palo Alto held a full and fair public
hearing to consider all protests against the proposed refuse rate fee increases; and
D. As required by Article XIII D, Section 6 of the California Constitution and applicable
law, notice of the June 15, 2026 public hearing was mailed to all City of Palo Alto Utilities refuse
customers and property owners by May 1, 2026; and
E. The total number of written protests submitted by parcels receiving refuse
collection services, prior to the close of the public hearing, was less than fifty percent (50%) of
the total number of parcels subject to the proposed refuse rate fee increases.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule R-1 (Domestic Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in accordance with Sheets
R-1-1, R-1-2 attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule R-1,
as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2026.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule R-C (Commercial Refuse Collection) is hereby amended to read in accordance with
Sheets R-C-1, R-C-2, R-C-3, R-C-4, R-C-5, R-C-6, and R-C-7, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule R-C, as amended, shall become effective on July 1,
2026.
2
0290192_20260302_ms29
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the authorized
adjustments of the refuse collection rates shall be used only for the purposes set forth in Article
VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution changing the Utility
Rate Schedules R-1 and R-C is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sec. 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the California Code
of Regulations Sec. 15378(b)(4). After reviewing the staff report and all attachments presented
to Council, the Council incorporates these documents herein and finds that sufficient evidence
has been presented setting forth with specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Public Works / City Engineer
_____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
7-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to each occupied domestic dwelling as required by City ordinance, including
separate single-family domestic dwelling and multi-unit dwellings (4 units or less). An occupied
dwelling unit is defined as any home, apartment unit, cottage, flat or duplex unit, having kitchen,
bath, and sleeping facilities, and to which gas or electric service is being rendered.
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
The refuse rates below provide weekly collection, processing and disposal of materials properly
deposited in the number of garbage containers indicated below, as well as weekly collection and
processing of recyclables from blue carts (standard service includes one 64-gallon blue cart),
weekly collection and processing of compostables (yard trimmings, food scraps, and food soiled
paper) from green carts (standard service includes one 96-gallon green cart), ongoing maintenance
of the closed Palo Alto Landfill, zero waste programs, street sweeping service, the household
hazardous waste program, and the annual Clean Up Dayclean up day program.
Refuse Services Cost
Mini-can/20-gallon cart *28.6427.81
1 32-gallon cart**51.5750.07
1 64-gallon cart 103.15100.15
1 96-gallon cart 154.72150.22
*Mini-can service cannot be combined with any other cart service
**Standard cart service is one 32-gallon cart.
D. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/water heater pick up *......................................................................
25.7525.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner/garbage compactor pick up *..................................
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
07-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-23
41.2040.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up (per unit) *.......................................................................
15.4515.00
4. Mattress pick up *............................................................................................................
15.4515.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) *...........................................................................
20.6020.00
6. Pallet pick up *.................................................................................................................
5.155.00
* “Surcharge special” fee (see E5. below) applies when special item is not collected under the
annual Clean Up Day Program guidelines.
E. SPECIAL LABOR CHARGES:
1. Return trip (next day service)……………………………………………………..........
24.7224.00
2. Return trip (same day service) ……………………………………………………........
37.0836.00
3. Urgent special (for service outside standard weekly collection; charged per cubic yard)
..........................................................................................................................................61.806
0.00
4. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate (pull out service) .............................................
2.572.50/min
5. Surcharge special (one time pick up of large or non-standard items; or delivery of containers
for special events) ………….....................................................................................82.4080.00
6. Repair rate................................................................................................2.572.50/min +
material
7. Back/side yard collection of garbage (monthly charge per residence – available to current
back/side yard service customer only) ………………............................ 3.763.66
F. SPECIAL CART CHARGES:
1. 32-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
2. 64-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
3. 96-gallon cart rental*** ……………………………
3.243.15
4. 20-gallon cart purchase
61.8060.00
5. 32-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........
52.5351.00
6. 64-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………. ......
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1726
Supersedes Rate Schedule R-1 dated
07-01-1617 Sheet No. R-1-33
58.7157.00
7. 96-gallon cart purchase……………………………………………………………........
63.8662.00
8. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........
30.9030.00
9. Compost cart contamination (entire cart dumped)………………………………...........
30.9030.00
10. Recycling cart contamination (entire cart dumped)……………………………….........
30.9030.00
11. Damaged cart exchange (one allowed per customer each calendar year at no cost).......
20.6020.00
12. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) ………………………………………..
15.4515.00
13. Lock (Collector provided) ………………………………………………………….......
............................................................................................................................................................25.752
5.00
14. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........
............................................................................................................................................................41.204
0.00
*** Monthly charge for each additional cart of service above three carts for the compostable
materials or three carts for the recyclable materials. recycling cart.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all occupied establishments other than residential premises as required
by City ordinance.
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
The refuse rates below provide collection, processing and disposal of materials properly
deposited in the number of refuse containers indicated below, as well as collection and
processing of recyclables from special blue cartscontainers. The refuse rates below also provide
hazardous waste programs, zero waste programs, ongoing maintenance of the closed Palo Alto
Landfill, and street sweeping services, and clean up day programs.
(1) MONTHLY GARBAGE CAN/CARTS
Collection Frequency
32-gal. can or cart
$36.543
5.48 $3.243.15
64-gal. cart*
75.4473.
25
168.5616
3.66
261.7025
4.08
354.823
44.49
447.9543
4.91
541.08525
.33 3.243.15
96-gal. cart
113.161
09.87
244.0123
6.91
374.8636
3.95
505.714
90.99
636.5761
8.03
767.42745
.07 3.243.15
* Standard service is one 64-gallon cart.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-2
(2) MONTHLY GARBAGE BINS
Collection FrequencySize (cubic
yards)1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Bin
Rental
1
$183.8917
8.54
$363.9537
4.86
$549.3656
5.84
$733.62755
.62
$919.0394
6.60
$1,103.301,
136.39
$40.954
2.17
1.5
251.09243
.78
516.32501
.29
782.74759
.95
1,047.981,0
17.46
1,313.211,
274.97
1,578.461,5
32.49
42.1740.
95
2
318.29309
.02
657.78638
.63
999.65970
.54
1,340.331,3
01.30
1,679.831,
630.91
2,020.521,9
61.67
54.0752.
50
3
450.31437
.20
940.70913
.31
1,429.921,
388.28
1,920.321,8
64.39
2,411.892,
341.65
2,902.292,8
17.76
69.2167.
20
4
598.85581
.41
1,209.481,
174.26
1,880.241,
825.48
2,521.532,4
48.09
3,160.453,
068.40
3,800.563,6
89.87
69.2167.
20
5
730.87709
.59
1,521.871,
477.55
2,310.512,
243.22
3,101.5153,
011.18
3,892.513,
779.14
4,682.324,5
45.95
84.3581.
90
6
879.41853
.80
1,821.291,
768.25
2,759.642,
679.27
3,700.363,5
92.59
4,641.074,
505.90
5,580.605,4
18.06
84.3581.
90
8
1,147.001,
113.60
2,384.772,
315.32
3,624.923,
519.34
4,866.234,7
24.50
6,106.365,
928.51
7,346.497,1
32.52
110.311
07.10
(3) MONTHLY COMPOST CARTS*
Collection Frequency
Cart Sizes 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week Bin Rental
32-gal. cart
$29.232
8.38 $3.243.15
64-gal. cart
60.3558.
60
134.8513
0.93
209.3520
3.26
283.862
75.60
358.3634
7.93
432.86420
.26 3.243.15
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-3
96-gal. cart
90.5387.
90
195.2118
9.53
299.8929
1.16
404.573
92.79
509.2549
4.42
613.94596
.06 3.243.15
*Multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units may receive up to one 96-gallon
compostables cart collected once per week at no charge. Service over 96 gallons will be charged
as described in G-7 below.
Note: “Cart wash” (see G-1) is available and the additional cost of $30.90 will be assessed to account
holders if odors become a public nuisance.
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-3
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-4
(4) MONTHLY COMPOST BINS
Collection FrequencySize (cubic
yards)1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week 6x/week
Monthl
y Bin
Rental
1
$147.111
42.83
$299.8929
1.16
$452.6743
9.49
$604.5058
6.90
$757.3073
5.25
$909.1188
2.64
$42.174
0.95
1.5
200.8719
5.02
413.06401.
03
626.19607.
96
838.38813.
97
1,050.571,
019.98
1,262.761,
225.99
42.1740
.95
2
254.6224
7.21
526.22510.
90
799.72776.
43
1,072.271,
041.04
1,343.871,
304.73
1,616.421,
569.34
54.0752
.50
3
360.2534
9.76
752.56730.
65
1,143.931,
110.62
1,536.251,
491.51
1,929.511,
873.32
2,321.832,
254.21
69.2167
.20
4
479.0746
5.12
967.59939.
41
1,504.191,
460.38
2,017.221,
958.47
2,528.362,
454.72
3,040.442,
951.89
69.2167
.20
5
584.7056
7.67
1,217.501,
182.04
1,848.411,
794.58
2,481.202,
408.94
3,114.003,
023.31
3,745.863,
636.76
84.3581
.90
6
703.5368
3.04
1,457.031,
414.60
2,207.722,
143.42
2,960.292,
874.07
3,712.863,
604.72
4,464.484,
334.45
84.3581
.90
Note: “Bin wash” (see G-2) is available and the additional cost of $41.2040 will be assessed to account
holders if odors become a public nuisance.
(5) DEBRIS BOXES
NOTE: GreenWaste of Palo Alto has the exclusive rights to haul any and all mixed material
(garbage, generic C&D, or mixed recycling) generated in Palo Alto.
Category A: Includes garbage, mixed construction and demolition (C&D).
Category B: Includes single-source separated materials and can be and directly marketed as a
single commodity.
Debris Box On-Call Service*
7 CY 15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
Delivery (A or B)
$136.26
132.30
$
136.26132.
30
$136.2613
2.30
$136.261
32.30
$136.2613
2.30
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-5
Service (Cat A)
696.69676
.40
696.69676.
40
808.68785.
13
1,035.01
1,004.87
1,128.141,
095.29
Service (Cat B)
354.73344
.40
354.73344.
40
411.83399.
84
527.7751
2.40
575.35
558.60
Non-use **
$78.2876.
00
$78.2876.0
0
$78.2876.0
0
$78.2876
.00
$78.2876.
00
* Additional “Contaminated charge” of $190.85185.30 (see I-5) may apply on debris boxes used for
construction and demolition materials.
**Within a fourteen (14) day period.
Debris Box Category A
Permanent Service
15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
1x/week $2,717.212,
638.07
$3,305.453,
209.18
$4,244.984,1
21.34
$4,625.394,
490.67
2x/week 5,434.435,2
76.15
6,610.916,4
18.36
8,488.788,24
1.54
9,250.798,9
81.35
3x/week
8,152.827,9
15.36
9,915.189,6
26.39
12,733.7712,
362.89
13,876.181
3,472.02
4x/week
10,868.8510
,552.29
13221.8112,
836.71
16,979.9416,
485.38
18,501.581
7,962.70
5x/week
13,586.0713
,190.36
16,527.2616
,045.89
21,224.9220,
606.72
23,126.972
2,453.37
Rental
151.41147.0
0
201.15195.3
0
301.73292.9
5
402.31390.
60
Debris Box Category B
Permanent Service
15 CY 20 CY 30 CY 40 CY
1x/week $1,462.071,4
19.49
$1,705.751,6
56.07
$1,829.461,7
76.18
$1,953.171,8
96.29
2x/week 2,924.082,83
8.92
3,411.513,31
2.15
3,658.943,55
2.37
3,906.363,79
2.59
3x/week 4,386.224,25
8.47
5,117.264,96
8.22
5,492.155,33
2.19
5,859.545,68
8.88
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-6
4x/week 5,848.295,67
7.96
6,823.016,62
4.29
7,317.877,10
4.73
7,812.737,58
5.18
5x/week 7,310.377,09
7.45
8,528.778,28
0.36
9,147.348,88
0.92
9,765.919,48
1.47
Rental 151.41147.0
0
201.15195.3
0 301.73292.95 402.31390.6
0
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-6
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-1626
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-7
D. SPECIAL ITEM CHARGES*:
1. Stove/washer/dryer/heater pick up...................................................................................25.7525.00
2. Freezer/refrigerator/air conditioner (residential only).....................................................41.2040.00
3. Upholstered furniture pick up .........................................................................................15.4515.00
4. Mattress pick up ..............................................................................................................15.4515.00
5. Tire pick up (per tire, limit of 4 tires) .............................................................................20.6020.00
6. Pallet pick up ...................................................................................................................5.155.00
* Requests for pick up of special items must be made and scheduled in advance of regular pick
up days. If no request is made, am an “Extra collection” fee (see E-1) will be applied.
1. Extra collection (for service of additional material; charged per cubic yard) ................61.8060.00
2. Miscellaneous 1 person service rate ……………………………………….............2.572.50/min
3. Repair rate …………………………………………...................................2.572.50/min +
material
4. Return trip/Special trip…….……………………………………………………............
82.4080.00
5. Special Events
Delivery.......................................................................................................................30.9030.00
Materials and Service (per waste station)....................................................................20.6020.00
(6) Pullout Service (per bin)
Carts Bins
1x/week $50.0051.50 $206.00200.00
2x/week 100.00103.00 412.00400.00
3x/week 150.00154.50 618.00600.00
4x/week 200.00206.00 824.00800.00
5x/week 250.00257.50 1,030.001,000.00
6x/week 300.00309.00 1,236.001,200.00
7. Whole cardboard box (boxes that have not been broken down)
Cart..............................................................................................................................25.7525.00
Bin...............................................................................................................................51.5050.00
8. Overflowing container
Cart..............................................................................................................................30.9030.00
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-8
Bin...............................................................................................................................51.5050.00
F. RECYCLING AND COMPOST ORDINANCE CHARGES:
If contamination is identified in a recycling or compost cart or bin, the customer will have an
opportunity to remove the contamination and will only be charged a “Return trip” fee. If the
customer chooses to not remove the contamination, the customer will be charged an “Extra solid
waste pick-up” fee in addition to a “Return trip” fee.
1. Return trip…….………………………………………………………………………….82.4080.00
(2) EXTRA SOLID WASTE PICK UP (for contaminated recycling or compost containers
only. Additional charges will apply to any materials left outside of the containers)
Cart/Bin
Size Contaminated Recycling Contaminated Compost
32-gal.$8.438.19 $1.681.64
64-gal.17.4216.92 3.483.38
96-gal 26.1325.37 5.225.07
1 CY 42.4641.23 8.498.25
1.5 CY 57.9856.30 11.5911.26
2 CY 73.5171.37 14.6914.27
3 CY 103.99100.97 20.7920.19
4 CY 138.29134.27 27.6526.85
5 CY 168.79163.88 33.7632.78
6 CY 203.09197.18 40.6239.44
8 CY 264.89257.18 N/A51.44
3. De minimus (no garbage service but subscribes to both compost and recycling)
25.7525.00
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-8
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-9
G. SPECIAL CART AND BIN CHARGES:
1. Cart wash …………………………………………………………………………........30.9030.00
2. Bin wash...........................................................................................................................
41.2040.00
3. Cart exchange …..............................................................................................................20.6020.00
4. Monthly key service (customer provided lock) per lock…………………………………15.4515.00
5. Lock (Contractor provided)………………………………………………………….....25.7525.00
6. Cart lock installation………………………………………………………………........41.2040.00
7. Each additional 32-gallon increment of weekly compostables cart service (in excess of
96 gallons per week) for multi-unit dwellings with five (5) to ten (10) units (monthly
charge)..............................................................................................................................20.6020.00
8. Temporary bin-delivery (per bin)…………………………………………………........ 82.40
80.00
9. Temporary bin non-use fee (within a fourteen (14) day period) ………………………
25.7525.00
10. Auto-bar lock installation ………………………………………………………...........206.00200.00
1. Debris box delivery …………………………………….................................................136.26132.30
2. Debris box non-use (within a fourteen (14) day period)……………………………..
78.2876.00
3. Special debris box service between 12 PM to 6 PM ……………………………….......103.00100.00
4. Special debris box service between 6 PM to 12 AM ……………………………. ........206.00200.00
5. Special debris box service on Saturday before 12 PM …………………………….......103.00100.00
6. Special debris box service on Sunday before 6 PM ……………………………............309.00300.00
7. Special debris box service on Sunday, 6 PM to 12 AM ……………………….............412.00400.00
8. Contaminated loads of construction and demolition recycling materials………............190.85185.30
9. Overweight: 8 ton weight limit..........................................................................61.8060.00 per
ton (or fraction thereof) over 8 tons, up to 10 tons.
Note: GreenWaste cannot transport a debris box that is greater than 10 tons.
1. Compacted garbage (per compacted cubic yard) ……………………………………....75.4473.25
2. Compacted compostables (per compacted cubic yard) ………………………………...60.3558.60
3. Compacted recyclables (transportation) ………………………………......................... 206.00200.00
4. Overweight (per ton)........................................................................................................
61.8060.00
COMMERCIAL REFUSE COLLECTION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE R-C
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-01-2616
Supersedes Sheets R-C-1 through R-C-7.R-2-1&2 and R-3-1 through R-3-5
dated 7-01-1610-01-11 Sheet No. R-C-10
5. Contaminated loads of construction and demolition recycling materials........................
190.85185.30
{End}
March 17, 2026 www.paloalto.gov
Refuse FundRate Change
March 17, 2026
Finance Committee
Item #3
Commercial and Residential Refuse rates
•Charged based on container size and service frequency
•Provide a comprehensive suite of essential services
•Residentials rates were last updated in FY 2018; Commercial rates in FY 2017
Recover the City’s costs on:
•Collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, composting, and disposing of
landfill materials
•Compliance with State and local regulatory requirements
•Extensive waste diversion services and programs
Refuse Rates
2
Current Residential & Proposed Rate change
3
Current Residential and Proposed Rate Change in Fiscal Year 2027
Container Size Current
Monthly Rates
Proposed FY2027
Monthly Rates
Change
( $ )
20-gallon $27.81 $28.64 $0.83
32-gallon $50.07 $51.57 $1.50
64-gallon $100.15 $103.15 $3.00
96-gallon $150.22 $154.72 $4.50
Residential Monthly Rate Comparison
4
$50.07 $51.57
$54.01
$0.00
$10.00
$20.00
$30.00
$40.00
$50.00
$60.00
$70.00
Small (32-35gal) Comparison
Small (32-35 gal)Palo Alto Current Rate Average
$27.81 $28.64
$43.27
$0.00
$10.00
$20.00
$30.00
$40.00
$50.00
$60.00
X-Small (20-24gal) Comparison
X-Small (20-24 gal)Palo Alto Current Rate Average
Rate Stabilization Reserve
5
Refuse Fund Summary & Budget Forecast
Budget Category in Millions FY 2025
Actuals
FY 2026
Estimate
FY 2027
Estimate
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(beginning)
16.5 15.5 10.8
Revenues 34.2 33.5 34.5
Expenses 35.2 35.5 36.1
Operating Income (1.0)(2.0)(1.6)
Other Changes to Reserves (2.7)(0.6)
Rate Stabilization Reserves
(ending)
15.5 10.8 8.6
Recommendations
6
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend that the City Council:
1.Approve and authorize a 3.0 percent rate increase to Refuse Rates; and
2.Adopt the resolution amending current Utility Rate Schedule R-1 for Residential
Refuse Collection and Utility Rate Schedule R-C for Commercial Refuse Collection.
Paula Borges Fujimoto
Solid Waste Manager
Paula.Borges@PaloAlto.gov
650-496-5914