Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Commission Special Meeting (8/19/26)

The City of Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Commission held a special meeting on August 19, 2026, primarily to review and discuss the annual solid waste rate proposal presented by Republic Services. The proposed rate increase for residential customers is approximately 3.45%, driven by factors including the expiration of a federal compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tax credit and recycling processing costs, while disposal rates remain flat due to the use of a new landfill. Commissioners discussed the historical context of rate increases, the distribution of costs among residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and the relatively low fees for extra trash carts compared to primary carts. Policy considerations regarding rate structure and incentives for waste disposal behavior were also explored. The commission voted unanimously to forward the rate proposal to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. Additionally, the commission voted to cancel the regular meeting scheduled for August 26, 2026, with plans to resume meetings in September.