SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Skagit County government is being hit with a 40% increase in costs from the companies that collect trash and recycling.
The county's contract with its two garbage providers is up and costs are increasing. County officials are planning to pass 30% of that increase to ratepayers – starting a trickle-down effect in the waste stream.
Whenever Ben Sousa takes out the trash, it feels like some of his money goes with it.
"We just keep on raising our prices because it has to trickle down, right?" he said, shaking his head.
Sousa owns Craft Stove in Mount Vernon. His latest bill for trash, sewage and water was nearly $270. Soon, the trash portion will be increasing by 30%.
"All costs go up, but this seems to be a really large one at one time," Sousa said. "Bills are crazy. We're being taxed left and right. It's hard to be a small business owner right now."
Sousa isn't alone. Trash and utility rates across the country are rising.
Reuters reports consumer costs for trash collection rose 6.9% last year, as the nation deals with labor shortages and higher costs for truck parts and maintenance.
"This wasn't totally unexpected, but it was a surprise," said Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki.
She reports the last rate hike was five years ago. This latest one could've been even worse if the county didn't absorb 10% of the 40% increase.
Janicki believes Skagit's growing population, along with evolving technologies that more effectively deal with garbage, are driving the hikes.
"The capturing of methane gas at the landfill and the equipment it takes to handle this much garbage, it's expensive," she said. "It's really important that we pay for it correctly."
Sousa worries hardworking people are getting dumped on financially - with high prices for everything from food to housing making it tough to dig out.
"So, maybe I find a place I can afford to live. Now, my garbage bill is astronomical. Everything adds up," he says.
The new rates are expected to take effect on Sept. 1.
The public is encouraged to comment on the proposal by either submitting written comments via email to Margo Gillaspy, Solid Waste Division Manager, at margog@co.skagit.wa.us, or mailed comments may be sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.