Why are new solid waste service rates needed?

The City of Sonoma contracts with Sonoma Garbage Collectors (SGC) for solid waste (garbage, recycling, organics and other) services provided to residents, businesses, and the City. The City and SGC have negotiated changes to the contract which are necessary for several reasons. New programs and services are needed for the City to comply with the mandatory requirements of Senate Bill 1383 which will reduce greenhouse emissions related to organic waste disposal. Equipment upgrades including new trucks and other infrastructure are also needed. New solid waste service rates will also provide living wages for SGC’s employees, funding for new dedicated solid waste sustainability programs.

SGC’s current solid waste service rates are among the lowest in Sonoma County. Proposed new solid waste service rates will remain below the Countywide average for low waste generating residents and businesses.

What updates and enhancements will be included in SGC’s solid waste services for residents and businesses in the City if the new rates are approved?

SGC currently provides solid waste services to residents and businesses in the City, as listed online at sonomagarbage.com.

If the new solid waste service rates are authorized by City Council, the new programs, services, and benefits will include:

Enhanced customer service programs

New carts, dumpsters, and debris boxes

New collection vehicles

New battery recycling service for residents

Zero Waste Coordinator and public education

Zero Waste services at City parks and events

Free compost events for residents

Living wages for SGC employees

Compliance with State law SB 1383

What is organic waste?

Food Scraps, Coffee Grounds, Tea Bags

Food-Soiled Paper Products
Pizza Boxes, Coffee Filters, Napkins,
To-go Bags/Boxes (no Styrofoam or Plastic)

Green Waste
Landscape & Pruning, Leaves, Flowers

Lumber, Wood

How do I protest The proposed solid waste service rates?

You have the right to protest the proposed solid waste service rates. The protest must be in writing, and it must be submitted by either the property owner or a current ratepaying tenant. It must include the property service address and/or the assessor’s parcel number, the eligible individual’s name (property owner or tenant), a statement to the effect of “I protest the proposed solid waste service rates,” and an original signature.

Written protests may only be submitted by mail or in-person to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Sonoma, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476, or during the Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. All protests must be received by the City Clerk before the conclusion of the Public Hearing. The Clerk will not accept or consider any protest received after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

Only one written protest per affected property will be counted. Telephone, e-mail, and fax protests will not be accepted. At the Public Hearing on June 19, 2024, the City Council will accept and consider all written protests and hear all oral comments on the proposed solid waste service rate changes. Oral comments will not be counted as protests unless accompanied by a written protest as outlined within this notice.