What's the Story with the Trash Fee Hike

The measure passed with a 10–1 vote, with Councilmember Adrin Nazarian casting the sole dissenting vote. Councilwoman Rodriguez voted in favor of the fee adjustments. On April 11, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted 10–1 to approve substantial increases in trash collection fees—the first adjustment in 17 years. This decision aims to address a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall and reduce the city's reliance on general fund subsidies for sanitation services.​

Key Changes:

• Single-Family Homes & Duplexes: Monthly fees will rise from $36.32 to $55.94 starting January 1, 2026—a 54% increase.​

• Small Apartment Buildings (3–4 units): Fees will jump from $24.33 to $55.94 per unit monthly, marking a 130% increase.

• Future Increases: Rates are set to escalate annually, reaching $65.93 per month by the 2029–30 fiscal year.

These increases will appear on residents' bi-monthly Department of Water and Power bills under the "Solid Resource Fee" line item. The adjustments aim to cover rising operational costs, including labor, equipment, and compliance with state-mandated organic waste recycling programs.​

Councilmember Adrin Nazarian cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing concerns over the transparency of the process and the equitable distribution of fees. He highlighted that under the new structure, residents of small apartments will pay the same as those in larger single-family homes. Nazarian advocated for regular rate reviews to prevent abrupt increases in the future.