LA GRANDE — Trash disposal is going to be a little more expensive for residents and businesses in La Grande starting in March.

The La Grande City Council at its regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 5, voted to approve a 2.7% service fee increase for Waste-Pro.

“I come in front of you to speak about a small rate increase to accommodate the inflationary pressures that we’re seeing every year,” said Darin Larvik, Waste-Pro’s operations manager, Darin Larvik.

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 85 cent increase per month for typical residential service in La Grande.

Weekly garbage service will increase to $32.35 per month while those paying for garbage services every other week will see an increase to $26.95 per month. Monthly garbage service will increase to $20.20 per month.

Customers with the 300-gallon weekly service will see a price increase to $109.85 a month, while those who are on every other week will see an increase to $69.55 per month.

Waste-Pro offers a reduced rate for customers who qualify for the reduced city water and sewer rate. This service, which offers once a month garbage pick up, will increase to $13.60 a month.

Prices also are going up for container rates, drop boxes, commercial food waste containers and commercial recycling.

During the past year, Waste-Pro’s operating costs have increased across the board — including labor and equipment.

“Labor is still a strong pressure in our environment,” Larvik said.

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 operations manager pointed out the Family and Medical Leave Act also necessitates the company maintain a large labor pool, which increases costs.

Larvik is said he is worried about the future cost of electric vehicles. Starting in 2026, Oregon requires a certain number of electric vehicles be purchased before a combustion engine.

“Our industry does not have garbage trucks ready for electric,” Larvik said. “It takes so much energy to run a garbage truck up and down hill with a full load of trash.”

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

Per franchise agreement La Grande has with Waste-Pro, the city council has to approve any service fee increase, according to City Manager Robert Strope.

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

“The request has been from both the city and from the county is that I come every year,” Larvik said. “Rather than having increases that are less palatable — to come and have small increases.”

In February 2024, Waste-Pro increased prices 3.4%, which followed a 7.1% increase in 2023 and a 12% increase in 2022. Prior to 2022, prices had not changed since 2018.

Councilors overall found the request to be reasonable and unanimously approved the 2.7% increase.

“I appreciate you breaking down all of these drivers of your request,” Councilor Corrine Dutto said.