Proposed Solid Waste Fee (“AB 939”)Increase – 2025

Why did I receive a notice of rate increase?

On February 7, 2025, Notices were sent to all solid waste customers and property owners of record within the City of Carpinteria. This is in accordance with California Constitution Article XIIID (commonly referred to as Proposition 218), which requires notice for proposed changes to solid waste rates. To view this notice, click HERE. For a larger version of the rate tables, please click the links below.
– Current and Proposed Residential Rates
– Current and Proposed Commercial Rates

The notice provides details about the proposed rate changes and the upcoming public hearing. If approved, the new rates will take effect on May 1, 2025.

Important: This rate increase does NOT include the annual inflation adjustment allowed per the City’s Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste Handling Services (Franchise Agreement) with the contracted waste hauler, which go into effect on July 1 of each year. The complete Franchise Agreement can be found here.

What do solid waste rates fund?

The City contracts with E.J. Harrison & Sons, Inc., a local, privately owned company, to provide trash, recycling, and organic waste collection services for residential and commercial customers. Solid waste rates include four key components, as follows:

Why are rate changes needed?

Due to rising operational and material costs, the current AB 939 fees have not fully covered the expenses of the Solid Waste Program. This has led to subsidies from other City funds and reductions to other City programs.
To maintain existing services and expand certain programs, the City is proposing a 5% increase in the AB 939 Fee. This fee will be collected on your waste bill by E.J. Harrison & Sons and passed on to the City.
Note: AB 939 fees do NOT fund E.J. Harrison operations.

How will this rate increase benefit me?

The proposed fee increase will:

✅ Fully fund existing Solid Waste Program operations
✅ Cover staff time to manage and improve these programs
✅ Expand hazardous materials disposal services for residents
✅ Increase community outreach to help residents comply with new regulations
✅ Support City-run events, including:

• Annual Pumpkin Smash
• Composting Workshops
• Creek Cleanups
• Other interactive community activities (Coming this year: Fix-it Fairs!)

How do I participate?

You’re encouraged to participate in the public hearing by submitting a written protest or speaking at the City Council meeting on March 24th, 2025. Council meeting agendas can be found at this link and are published the week before the event.