By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Oct. 19, 2026
Rio Linda and Elverta households receiving Sacramento County curbside collection service could see higher garbage bills beginning Jan. 1 under a proposed five-year rate schedule.
For customers with a 60-gallon garbage cart, the monthly charge would rise from $41.03 to $42.88 in 2027 — an increase of $1.85 a month, or $22.20 a year. Additional increases would bring that monthly rate to $51.13 by January 2031.
The proposal would also double the number of included bulky waste pickup appointments, from one to two within a rolling 12-month period.
The residential rate increases have not been approved. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. in the Board Chambers at the Sacramento County Administration Center, 700 H St. in Sacramento.
What would your bill look like?
The proposed monthly charges depend on garbage cart size. Standard service includes one recycling cart and one organics cart.
| Garbage cart size | Current | Jan. 2027 | Jan. 2028 | Jan. 2029 | Jan. 2030 | Jan. 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 gallons | $36.63 | $39.01 | $41.55 | $44.25 | $47.12 | $50.19 |
| 60 gallons | $41.03 | $42.88 | $44.81 | $46.82 | $48.93 | $51.13 |
| 90 gallons | $49.85 | $52.09 | $54.44 | $56.89 | $59.45 | $62.12 |
The first increase would add $2.38 a month for a 30-gallon cart, $1.85 for a 60-gallon cart and $2.24 for a 90-gallon cart.
Over the full schedule, monthly charges would rise approximately 37% for the smallest cart and about 25% for the two larger sizes, compared with current rates.
Why the county is seeking more
In its mailed notice, the county Department of Waste Management and Recycling cites rising costs for labor, fuel, trucks, equipment and supplies, along with expenses associated with state waste and environmental requirements.
The department says its services are funded through customer rates, fees and service charges rather than county General Fund tax revenue. It says the increases would cover service costs and stabilize its Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
The proposed schedule is based on a cost-of-service study prepared by R3 Consulting Group using fiscal year 2026-27 data.
Along with the additional bulky waste appointment, the proposed service package includes weekly garbage and organics collection, recycling collection every other week, weekly collection of used motor oil, filters and cooking oil, and household hazardous waste drop-off service.
How to submit a protest
The county’s notice outlines a formal written protest process under Proposition 218. If a majority of affected parcels are represented by valid written protests, the proposed increases will not be adopted. Only one protest per affected parcel may be counted.
A valid protest must include:
- The printed name and original signature of the property owner or customer of record responsible for paying the collection bill.
- The property’s street address or assessor’s parcel number.
- A statement opposing the proposed solid waste collection rate increase.
Mailed protests must be received — not simply postmarked — by Monday, Dec. 7, 2026. Send them to:
County of Sacramento
P.O. Box 276973
Sacramento, CA 95827-9420
Written protests may also be delivered during the Dec. 8 public hearing and must be received before the hearing closes.
According to the notice, protests submitted by email, fax or photocopy, or without an original signature, will not be accepted.
Speaking at the hearing or submitting a public comment does not count as a formal written protest. Residents may email comments to [email protected], speak in person or participate through Zoom with registration. Meeting instructions will be available through the Board of Supervisors’ public meeting webpage.
Assistance for eligible customers
The proposal would also increase the Solid Waste Lifeline Rate Assistance Program’s monthly rebate. If approved, the existing $10 rebate would rise by $1 annually beginning in 2027, reaching $15 after five years.
Residents can review the proposal and rate study at SacGreenTeam.com. The mailed notice lists 916-875-6668 for questions about the protest process.
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