MONTEREY COUNTY — October 29, 2026. Residents and property owners in unincorporated Monterey County have an upcoming chance to follow proposed changes to trash and recycling service rates. A Board of Supervisors agenda item calls for a public hearing on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to consider updated rates and contract provisions that would take effect January 1, 2027, if approved.
What agreement is involved?
The county’s item, RES 26-179, concerns Amendment No. 2 to Unified Franchise Agreement A-17164 with USA Waste of California, Inc., doing business as Carmel Marina Corporation. The agreement covers exclusive collection of solid waste and recyclables in unincorporated portions of the county, subject to its actual service boundaries.
Have new rates already been adopted?
The filing is a hearing notice, not proof of final approval. The board was asked to set the November 17 hearing and publish public notice in newspapers of general circulation. The proposal includes a revised exhibit of approved rates and charges and amendments to several agreement sections. No household’s exact future bill should be inferred without comparing the proposed exhibit with that address’s service category and applicable fees.
Why does this matter outside city limits?
Monterey County has numerous small unincorporated settlements where waste collection is governed by county contracts rather than individual municipal ordinances. Rates, container sizes and service types can differ, so residents should establish whether their particular property falls under this franchise before assuming that the proposal affects them.
How can residents examine the proposal?
The county legislative file includes a proposed Amendment No. 2, a detailed Exhibit 1, the original franchise agreement and public-hearing notices in English and Spanish. Affected households can review the proposed charges, then attend or comment through the Board of Supervisors meeting process. Questions worth asking include the effective date, differences by customer type, recycling collection requirements and any additional fees.
What comes next?
A later board vote or official amended agreement will establish whether the proposed rates are adopted. Until then, residents should rely on their existing service agreement and actual billing notice rather than speculation about a percentage increase.
Primary source: Monterey County Board of Supervisors, RES 26-179, 2027 franchise rates and hearing notice. Board agenda portal.
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