Title
a. Receive an update addressing the Unified Franchise Agreement (UFA) Solid Waste Hauling commercial rate differences between the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA) and Monterey Regional Waste Management District (ReGen) regions based on an independent Special Rate Study; and
b. Provide directions to staff, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update addressing the Unified Franchise Agreement (UFA) Solid Waste Hauling commercial rate differences between the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA) and Monterey Regional Waste Management District (ReGen) regions based on an independent Special Rate Study; and
b. Provide directions to staff, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
The UFA with Waste Management, DBA Carmel Marina Corporation (Waste Management), for waste hauling services in the unincorporated areas of the County, has varying commercial rates between the SVSWA “East” and ReGen “West” regions. The Board of Supervisors requested a cost analysis comparing the commercial rates. The Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) retained MuniEnvironmental, LLC (MUNI), an independent advisor on solid waste policy and practice, to conduct a Special Rate Study of the 2024 commercial solid waste collection rates under the UFA. Staff return today to provide an update of the independent special rate study findings.
DISCUSSION:
On December 3, 2024, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors approved a new UFA with Waste Management for waste hauling services in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board also requested a cost analysis comparing commercial rates between the SVSWA “East” and ReGen “West” regions.
On April 22, 2025, EHB presented Waste Management’s cost comparison of East and West commercial rates, which concluded that higher costs in the East region are driven by disposal pricing, fuel costs, labor, and route density differences, and recommended maintaining s...
Click here for full text