Yamhill County approves 3% CPI rate bump for Recology; officials warned of landfill and transport cost risks

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously May 28 to approve a 3% consumer price index–based rate adjustment for Recology Western Oregon, a change company representatives said will raise the typical suburban (90‑gallon) customer bill by about $1.48 per month and rural customers by about $1.56.

The request was presented as a routine CPI adjustment, with Recology citing fuel prices, a renegotiated labor contract and uncertainty about regional landfill capacity as primary drivers. “We are here asking for a 3% CPI based rate adjustment this year,” the Recology presenter said during the board meeting.

Recology general manager Chris Gary described how recent regional landfill changes have increased disposal volumes at the company’s McMinnville site: “When I started as well, it was around the same time. I believe we were taking in 25,000 tons annually, just from the McMinnville site. And then when the landfill closed, it's been as high as 60,000 — so substantial increase.” He added that gate-rate quotes the company has seen are “in the $30 a ton range,” that Coffin Butte’s rates are “now in the forties,” and that transportation could add another roughly $15–$20 a ton, producing an all‑in range “close to $50 to $60” and possibly higher over time.

Commissioners questioned what the county and Recology would do if Coffin Butte or other nearby facilities reach capacity. Recology said it is exploring multiple regional disposal options and coordinating with partner cities; the company also noted a statewide coalition examining valley disposal options. The presenter emphasized the county would be consulted if Recology needed to change long-term disposal arrangements that affect collection franchise agreements.

The company also reviewed non-rate items tied to service: updates from the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) that standardize curbside material lists statewide and the planned addition of Recycle On Centers ("Pro Depots") for hard-to-recycle items at the county transfer station. Recology reported improvements in customer service metrics — saying hold times have fallen substantially and frontline employees now typically answer calls in under a minute — and previewed a mid‑summer migration to a modern customer account system.

After Q&A the board approved the 3% CPI increase by voice vote. Commissioners and staff noted the change keeps Recology’s operating ratio near the contractual target and directed staff to continue monitoring disposal options and to keep the board informed about longer‑term pricing pressures.

The board’s approval takes effect July 1 for Recology Western Oregon customers in Yamhill County.