Yamhill County approves 3% CPI rate increase for Recology services, board hears disposal-cost risks

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners on May 28 approved a 3% consumer‑price‑index rate adjustment for Recology Western Oregon’s curbside service, effective July 1, following a Recology presentation on cost pressures.

Recology representatives told the board the primary drivers for the request are fuel prices, a renegotiated labor contract and rising disposal costs tied to regional landfill capacity. The company said the adjustment would leave it within its target operating ratio (about 88% under a cost‑plus franchise calculation) and that a common suburban 90‑gallon customer would see an estimated monthly charge of about $148; rural customers were cited at approximately $156 per month, both figures including recycling service.

During questions, Chris Kerry, general manager for Recology’s Oregon facilities, said the recent closure of a nearby landfill had sharply increased tons processed at the McMinnville transfer station — from about 25,000 tons annually to as high as 60,000 in a short span — requiring added headcount, equipment and trucking. Kerry gave ballpark gate‑rate quotes “in the $30 a ton range,” said current regional gate rates are “in the $40s,” and added that transportation could add roughly $15–$20 per ton, producing an all‑in estimate near $50–$70 per ton in some scenarios. He emphasized those numbers are approximate and subject to fuel and market fluctuations.

Recology also summarized expected benefits and operational changes under Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act, which took effect July 1, 2025, including statewide standardization of curbside-acceptable materials, partial reductions in processing costs and state funds beginning to flow for glass collection. The company outlined plans to deploy “pro‑depots” (drop‑off centers for hard‑to‑recycle materials) at the county transfer station and to coordinate additional depots with cities such as Sheridan and Lafayette.

Recology reported improved customer service metrics and said it will migrate from legacy billing software to a modern customer‑account system midsummer; officials warned of temporary transition issues but said the change is expected to improve customer access and billing clarity.

After the presentation and Q&A, a commissioner moved approval of the 3% CPI adjustment as recommended by the Solid Waste Department and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; the board voted unanimously to approve the measure. Recology officials said they will return with additional details as disposal‑site decisions and regional negotiations evolve.