NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED INCREASES TO GARBAGE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL FEES AND CHARGES

This Notice provides information about proposed increases in garbage collection, recycling and disposal fees and charges for those services provided by Recology of the Coast to MWSD customers.

Download PDF version of this announcement

 

HEARING DATE: Thursday, December 3, 2026

HEARING TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Montara Water and Sanitary District
8888 Cabrillo Highway
Montara, CA 94037
(Adjacent to the Point Montara Lighthouse & Hostel)

Hearing may be viewed via Zoom teleconference, details at MWSD.NET

Dear Property Owner or Customer,

Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) is proposing to adopt a 6.00% increase in garbage collection, recycling and disposal fees and charges for those services furnished by Recology of the Coast (Recology) under a franchise agreement with the District. The rates are proposed to go into effect on January 1, 2027. The 2027 proposed increase is cost-based but limited by contract to no more than 6.00% per year.

Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) works every day to deliver water, garbage and sewer services for the residents of Montara, Moss Beach, and adjacent areas north of El Granada. Over 6,000 residents rely on our services for their homes and businesses. Under a franchise agreement with the District, garbage collection, recycling and disposal services are furnished by Recology of the Coast (Recology). The District is proposing to adopt a 6.00% increase in garbage collection, recycling and disposal fees and charges to maintain quality services in our area.

Reasons for the Rate Increases:

Rate revisions are based on a comprehensive Rate Adjustment Schedule included in Recology’s franchise that takes into consideration documented labor costs, workers compensation insurance premiums, vehicle-related costs, fuel costs, yard-waste processing costs, lease costs associated with vehicles and equipment, dump fees (also called tipping fees) charged at the Ox Mountain Landfill and South Bayside Waste Management Authority and all other costs of providing quality garbage, composting and recycling services. Though modest increases as well as some savings were seen in calculating 2027 costs, the proposed 2027 rates continue to recapture deferred cost increases from prior years.

The 2027 proposed increase is cost-based, however due to MWSD’s contract with Recology, rate increases are limited to 6.00% per year. Rates in the Montara service area will remain below average in San Mateo County. The District will audit costs to ensure they are appropriate, and to maintain garbage service quality and keep customer bills low.

What Do the Solid Waste Fees and Charges Pay for?

• On-going operating expenses to collect and dispose of all garbage and recyclable material, and to account for and bill customers.
• On-going expenses for equipment and supplies needed to operate.
• Capital expenditures to repair, replace, and upgrade garbage collection trucks and other equipment.
• Tipping fees (also called dump fees) at Ox Mountain Landfill in Half Moon Bay to dispose of all non-recycled waste.
• Transport to South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) in San Carlos for food waste and green material composting.

How Can Customers Reduce Garbage Collection Fees and Charges?

By switching from a 32-gallon garbage collection receptacle to a 20-gallon receptacle, your new monthly collection fee charge would be $39.41 instead of $48.29. Currently in the MWSD service area, only a small percentage of customers use 20-gallon cans.

Take Advantage of Free Bulky Goods Collection. Four times a year, Recology will pick up one item up to 200 pounds or five 30-gallon bags for no additional charge.

Increase Recycling + Reduce Garbage + Switch to a 20-Gallon Can = Save Money

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Call: (650) 728-3545
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Mon-Fri

Email: mwsd@coastside.net

Write: PO Box 370131, Montara, CA 94037

Web: mwsd.net

Attend: Public Hearing on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM at:
8888 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA 94037 (Adjacent to the Point Montara Lighthouse & Hostel)

Proposed Garbage Collection, Recycling and Disposal Fees

The District is proposing an increase to garbage collection, recycling and disposal fees to cover costs of service and equipment replacement by Recology of the Coast beginning Jan. 1, 2027, as described on these pages.

Note: Although the rates are proposed to cover a one-year period, they will remain in effect after that year unless and until new rates are approved.

 

To Estimate Your Monthly Bill Add Up the Services You Use.

Most residential customers only use weekly collection for a 32-gallon can, which would be $48.29 per month starting January 1, 2027.

Please take advantage of the many services included with your garbage fees.

 

 

 

 

How to Protest the Proposed Rate Increases

Property owners or customers may file written protests against the proposed rate increases. Pursuant to California law, protests must be submitted in writing and must a) identify the affected property or properties, such as by address, Assessor’s Parcel Number, or customer account number; b) include the name and signature of the customer or property owner submitting the protest; and c) indicate opposition to the proposed garbage collection, recycling, and disposal fees and charges. Protests submitted by e-mail, facsimile, or other electronic means will not be accepted.

The proposed rates will not be adopted if written protests are received from the owners or customers representing a majority of affected parcels. Only one protest accepted per parcel.

Written protests may be mailed to: District Clerk, Montara Water and Sanitary District, P.O. Box 370131, Montara, CA 94037-0131. Written protests may also be delivered to the District’s headquarters at 8888 Cabrillo Highway. All written protests must be submitted prior to the close of the Public Hearing on December 3, 2026.