The public hearings on the proposed rates are now scheduled as follows:

City of Hollister
          August 3, 2026 - 6:30 P.M.
         City of Hollister Council Chambers, 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023
         2026 City of Hollister Public Hearing Notice Recology Rate Increases 
         effective July 1, 2026

County of San Benito
          August 11, 2026 - 9:30 A.M.
          County of San Benito Administration Building, 481 Fourth Street, Hollister
          2026 San Benito County Public Hearing Notice Recology Rate Increases 
          effective July 1, 2026

City of San Juan Bautista
          August 18, 2026 - 6:00 P.M.
          City of San Juan Bautista Council Chambers, 311 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, California
          2026 City of San Juan Bautista Public Hearing Notice Recology Rate Increases 
          effective July 1, 2026

Rate Increase FAQ

• Why are my solid waste collection rates increasing?
  
  The proposed rate increase is the result of the annual rate adjustment process established in the Franchise Agreement between Recology San Benito County and the County of San Benito, City of Hollister, and the City of San Juan Bautista. The agreement includes a rate-setting methodology that accounts for changes in operating costs, including inflation (Consumer Price Index), fuel, and waste disposal and processing costs.
  
  In addition, state law such as AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383 require expanded recycling and organics collection programs, as well as increased public education, reporting, and regulatory compliance. These requirements increase the cost of providing solid waste services.

• How often can my rates change?
  
  Under the Franchise Agreement, rates may be adjusted annually. 

• When would the new rates take effect?
  
  Any approved rate adjustment becomes effective July 1 of each year.

• How was the proposed rate increase evaluated?
  

  After Recology submitted its rate application, staff and an independent solid waste consultant conducted a detailed review of the application, supporting financial information, and rate calculations. Staff and the consultant met with Recology to discuss the application, answer questions, and request revisions where appropriate. The revised application and proposed rates will be presented to the member agencies for consideration during the Proposition 218 public hearing process in August 2026.

• How can I lower my solid waste collection bill?
  

  There are several ways you may be able to reduce your monthly solid waste collection costs:

  1. Downsize your garbage cart. Reducing your garbage cart size can significantly lower your monthly rate. For example, 32-gallon cart costs substantially less than a 64-gallon cart, and a 20-gallon cart costs even less.
  2. See if you qualify for the low-income rate. If you're enrolled in either PG&E's CARE/Lifeline program or AT&T Lifeline, you may qualify for Recology's reduced residential rates. Contact Recology to determine your eligibility.
  3. Avoid extra service charges. Fees can be added for services like backyard pickup, long walk service, extra garbage setouts, contamination violations, lock or enclosure service, and additional cart exchanges. Placing your carts at the curb on collection day and properly sorting recyclables and organics can help avoid these charges.
  4. Recycle Right. Recycling and organics collection are included with your service. Diverting recyclable materials and food scraps from your garbage cart may allow you to reduce the size of your garbage cart and lower your monthly rate.