Smithfield raised garbage and recycling rates in July. Here is what the city said drives them

Smithfield city's monthly garbage, recycling and green-waste rates rose July 1, 2026, after the City Council approved Resolution 2026-08 by a 5–0 vote on June 24. Councilmembers John Engler, Jay Downs, Chris Olsen, Todd Orme and Jenn Staker voted yes. ^[1]

The new rates

According to the minutes, the monthly rates changed as follows: a 90-gallon garbage can from $20.15 to $21.00; a 60-gallon can from $17.90 to $18.65; residential recycling from $7.00 to $7.30; commercial recycling from $13.00 to $13.60; and green waste from $9.00 to $9.40. ^[1]

Staff said the previous rates took effect in September 2022 and that the city had absorbed annual increases since then. ^[1]

What staff said drives the cost

Staff cited a 4.00% increase in the carrier's rate on July 1, 2026, an increase in Logan City landfill rates from $38.00 to $40.00 per ton, and higher garbage can costs. The minutes identify the carrier as Republic Waste, formerly Econo Waste and Robinson Waste. ^[1]

Staff said the city owns the cans and can keep them if the provider changes, and that landfill payments go directly to Logan City. Staff described the increases as pass-through costs. Under the current contract, green-waste service ends Oct. 31 each year. ^[1]

What the budget shows

The FY2027 budget the city filed with the State Auditor lists $1,759,230 in solid waste collection fees. On the expense side, it lists $1,130,000 for the carrier contract, up from an estimated $1,066,957 in FY2026 and $980,541 actual in FY2025, and $240,000 for landfill fees, up from an estimated $209,196 and $185,956 actual. ^[2]

The FY2025 audit reports $1,643,835 in solid waste operating revenue, $1,402,037 in operating expenses and $241,798 in operating income. The fund paid $1,251,880 to suppliers that year, a figure that covers all suppliers, not only the carrier. ^[3][4]