**La Grande Trash Collection Rates to Increase in 2026**
*LA GRANDE* — Trash collection will be getting a little more expensive for La Grande residents beginning in 2026. The city council unanimously voted on Dec. 3 to approve a 2.9% increase in service rates for Waste-Pro, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Darin Larvik, Waste-Pro operations manager, requested the increase to keep up with rising operational costs. “At the end of the day, it looks like it’s going to be a buck increase per month for the customers in La Grande,” Larvik said.
**New Service Rates**
The updated rates for Waste-Pro services are as follows:
– **Weekly garbage service:** $33.30 per month
– **Every other week service:** $27.75 per month
– **Monthly garbage service:** $20.80 per month
– **300-gallon weekly service:** $113.05 per month
– **300-gallon every other week service:** $71.60 per month
Waste-Pro also offers a reduced rate for customers who qualify for the discounted city water and sewer rates. This service, which includes once-a-month garbage pickup, will increase to $14 per month.
Prices will also be rising for container rates, drop boxes, commercial food waste containers, and commercial recycling services.
**Why Are Rates Increasing?**
Councilor Corrine Dutto acknowledged the number of increases Waste-Pro has faced over the past year. Key factors driving the rate hike include:
– Labor costs
– Equipment expenses
– Landfill price increases
– Insurance costs
– Recycling trends
“The one that triggers this every year is the rate increase at the landfill in Baker,” Larvik noted. “The county has signed a 10-year contract. It’s a 5% increase every year for the full 10 years.”
**Where Does the Trash and Recycling Go?**
Councilors Dutto and Mary Ann Miesner inquired about the final destinations for La Grande’s trash and recycling. Larvik explained that trash is hauled to the Baker landfill, while recycling is mostly sent to the Portland area. “Everything has to be prepared in Portland before it ships overseas,” he said.
**What’s Next for Residents?**
La Grande residents can expect to receive informational flyers at the start of 2026 detailing what new items can be placed in recycling bins.
For more information about Waste-Pro services or questions regarding the rate increase, residents are encouraged to contact City Hall or Waste-Pro directly.
https://lagrandeobserver.com/2025/12/05/waste-pro-prices-to-tick-up-for-la-grande-customers-in-2026/