The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted on Sept. 22 to move forward with several solid waste rate and fee adjustments calculated to keep services reliable, comply with state requirements and maintain a financially sustainable schedule of residential collection rates for unincorporated Sacramento County residents and facility fees at Kiefer Landfill and the North Area Recovery Station (NARS).
The action approved facility fee adjustments at Kiefer Landfill and NARS and authorizes the Department of Waste Management & Recycling (DWMR) to begin the Proposition 218 notification process for proposed residential solid waste rate adjustments.
During the meeting, Supervisors expressed appreciation for the detailed analysis and careful planning behind the proposed rate adjustments. They noted that while rate increases are never easy, DWMR’s approach minimizes customer impact with small, gradual changes while creating long‑term stability. Supervisors also recognized DWMR’s continued commitment to keeping services reliable and rates as low as possible.
DWMR operates as an enterprise fund and receives no General Fund (tax) support. All solid waste service costs are funded entirely by residential ratepayer fees, facility fees and program revenues. Rising costs for equipment, fuel, labor and state regulatory mandates, including SB 1383 organics diversion and California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules, have outpaced current rates, making adjustments necessary to maintain safe and compliant service. The proposal also expands Bulky Waste Pickup service from one to two appointments within a rolling 12‑month period.
As an enterprise fund, DWMR may not charge fees that exceed the cost of providing service. Maintaining reasonable operational and capital reserves is also part of a cost‑of‑service model. A reserve allows DWMR to pay for future capital needs, such as trucks, heavy equipment or facility upgrades, directly, rather than borrowing. Paying upfront avoids the much higher long‑term costs of debt financing, which would otherwise be passed on to customers through rates and fees. Saving ahead helps keep services dependable and reduces what customers would pay over time.
Residential Rates (Proposition 218 Process)
DWMR will mail a written notice to all affected residential property owners at least 45 days prior to the public hearing. The notice will provide information regarding the public hearing and the proposed new rates including the reason for rate changes, how rates were calculated, and how customers may submit written protests. The public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Sacramento County Administration Center, Board Chambers, located at 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
If adopted, new residential rates will begin Jan. 1, 2027.
Facility Fee Adjustments for Kiefer Landfill and NARS
The Board approved updates to solid waste facility fees at Kiefer Landfill and NARS. Together, these facilities take in nearly 1.5 million tons each year and serve hundreds of thousands of self‑haul residents, contractors, landscapers and commercial haulers. Updated fees will maintain safe, efficient and compliant operations.
Facility fees have not kept pace with rising costs for disposal and transfer services, including fuel, heavy equipment, parts, contracted services and labor. State regulatory responsibilities also continue to grow under SB 1383 and CARB requirements. Updated fees will take effect Jan. 1, 2027 and support:
- Safe landfill operations
- Efficient NARS processing for public and commercial customers
- Improved traffic flow and onsite safety
- Expanded regulatory reporting and compliance
- Long-term financial stability
As part of these operational updates, NARS will also adjust its Sunday operating hours beginning Jan. 1, 2027. NARS will close one hour earlier, moving from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. to 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Customer use data shows significantly less customers in the final hour on Sundays compared to other hours. Aligning hours with actual usage reduces operating costs while maintaining efficient service for self-haul and commercial customers.
Facility fees are not subject to Proposition 218. Updated fee schedules will be posted on the Facility Fees webpage before Jan. 1, 2027.
More Information
All supporting materials, including the 2026 Solid Waste Rate Study, Board letter, resolutions, and related exhibits, are available in the September 22 Board meeting agenda at SacCounty.gov.
Residents can learn more about solid waste programs, rate notifications, and facility services at SacGreenTeam.com.