The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The City Council granted a nine percent rate increase requested by Republic Services, the garbage and recycling company servicing residential and commercial accounts in Sisters.

The new rates reflect increased costs associated with providing solid waste service, such as wages, disposal/recycling fees, and maintenance. The increase covers the true cost of recycling, general operating costs, and an acceptable margin for Republic.

For residential customers, the monthly increases per cart size amounts to $1.43 (32 gallons), $1.94 (64 gallon), and $2.66 (90 gallon). Recycling and yard debris collection are included in the monthly charge.

Even with the rate increase, Sisters garbage service fees remain among the lowest in the area.

For commercial customers, Republic Services was granted a nine percent increase for each of the container sizes and number of pickups.

The fee increases will begin August 1, 2020, with a guarantee of no rate increase requests next year. There may be further discussion between the City and Republic regarding the future possibility of offering two-times-a-month pickup for those customers who don’t need every-week service.