Pacifica council confirms 2.94% Recology rate increase; residents press for green‑waste options

The Pacifica City Council on Nov. 24 adopted a resolution confirming Recology of the Coast’s application for a 2.94% rate increase for 2026 after a financial review by HF&H that tracked changes in consumer price indices and cost drivers.

Public Works Director Melissa Tigba summarized the franchise history and explained that HF&H’s review recommended a 2.94% annual increase consistent with the franchise agreement. Recology operations representatives answered council questions about labor, service options and customer assistance programs; Recology’s Ryan Gordon said the company contracts with Teamsters Local 350 and that drivers’ pay has averaged roughly “about $2 per hour every year” in recent years.

Multiple residents asked the council and Recology to provide an accessible option for residents to dispose of excess green waste within the city. Speakers and council members noted prior requests for a local drop‑off and said permitting constraints at Recology’s yard and truck capacity had been cited as barriers. Recology said additional pickups can be scheduled for a fee, bulky items can be taken to the recycle yard with proof of Pacifica residency, and staff agreed to follow up about permitting and a potential community education session on recycling and organics.

Council member Beier moved adoption of the resolution confirming the 2.94% rate application; Mayor Beckmeyer seconded. The council adopted the resolution unanimously.