ELGIN — Trash disposal is going to be a little more expensive for Elgin residents starting in March.

The Elgin City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 11, voted to approve a 2.7% service fee increase for Waste-Pro.

“I’ve come here looking for a 2.7% increase,” said Darin Larvik, Waste-Pro’s operations manager.

The 2.7% bump to service fees mirrors the increase in the 2024 consumer price index, according to Larvik. The new fee structure will go in effect March 1 and translates to a roughly 48 cent increase per month or a 24 cent increase per collection for typical service in the county.

Residential customers with one roll cart receiving garbage service every other week will see an increase to $18.25 a month while those with two roll carts will see an increase to $28.55 per month.

Prices are also going up for container services and extra pick-ups on containers. (A full list of the new prices is available on the City of Elgin website on the Feb. 11 agenda under Resolution 4 (2025) Waste-Pro Rates).

Larvik said that cities and the county have asked him to come before them more regularly for smaller rate increases to avoid larger and more unpalatable increases.

Waste-Pro also has a franchise agreement with Union County to provide service for many of its unincorporated areas. In addition to Elgin, the company serves Cove, Island City, Imbler and La Grande.

During the past year, Larvik said Waste-Pro’s operating costs have increased across the board. Labor has been one of the major factors. He’s found that the Family and Medical Leave Act necessitates the company maintain a large labor pool, which increases costs.

Larvik explained Waste-Pro is facing significant labor challenges, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining employees with commercial driver’s licenses. The company began an in-house training program and anticipates a 5% labor cost increase for the coming year.

The rising cost of insurance is another factor driving the need for an increase. Larvik said liability and property insurance premiums are projected to increase 20% in 2025. There are also a limited number of insurance providers, he said, which restricts the company’s ability to find more competitive rates.

The Baker City Landfill, the closest place for the company to bring waste, increases its price by 5% yearly.

Councilors unanimously approved the 2.7% increase.

“I wasn’t going to be for it, but you came with all this info,” Mayor Stanley “James” Johnson said.