Waste collection rates increasing next month

DOWNEY — Downey residents will soon be paying anywhere from 5-6% more for the collection of their waste and recyclables.

At its meeting last week, the city council approved a request by CalMet to increase its monthly rates to $25.67 (6.65%) for single-family residential customers, $143.96-$151.64 (5.33%) for a multi-family 3 cubic yard bin with once-a-week pick-up, and $159.28-$167.93 (5.43%) for a commercial 3 cubic yard bin.

Downey’s commercial rates are 2.83% lower than the average of neighboring cities, according to city officials. However, the city’s single-family residential rate is 11.6% higher than average.

The new rates will become effective on April 1.

Council members unanimously approved the adjustment as part of the meeting’s consent calendar without discussion.

Downey’s 10-year contract with CalMet was ratified April 1, 2016 and includes several provisions, including the ability for CalMet to increase its rates annually. In March last year, prices rose between 3-4%.