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Rate Increase Frequently Asked Questions
Each line of service has a different process for rate-setting. For instance, every year the value of recycle is reviewed based on the preceding 5-11 months actual value of recyclable material. The portions of the rates that relate to operation costs like fuel, truck cost and maintenance, labor cost, etc., are changed only when a General Rate Increase is filed. The portion of the rate that is related to the dump fee is modified annually, usually in March. This is a General Rate Increase and is due to the rising operational costs to our company (fuel, truck cost, driver cost, etc).
The rate increase reflects an increase in the operational costs for us to provide the best service. Effective January 1st, 2019, Murrey’s, American & Vashon customers will see an increase in garbage & recycle service prices. This increase is due to rising costs and reflects the cost of fuel, maintenance, truck costs, labor costs, etc. This increase will help our company offset these rising costs we are paying out of pocket.
We believe the overall cost of service (proposed monthly rates shown above) is a good value for the service you receive. For this monthly price, we visit your home six times for garbage and recycle customers per month to remove over 300-gallons worth unwanted material and also provide you with convenient carts to allow you to easily dispose of garbage and recycle.
The Washington State UTC has the authority to set the final rates that may be higher or lower from the company’s requested increase.
The rates are effective January 1st, 2019. Customers that receive their bill on January 1st for December and January service will see a prorated charge for the January portion of the bill. Customers that receive their bill on February 1st for January and February service will just see the new rates and a prorate will not be needed.
You should, hopefully, be receiving exceptional service right now. Any time you have a service problem or question, please call or email to let us know. Our goal is to provide the best possible service. Our customer service teams are happy to assist with any service issue that might arise.
The rates are regulated to make sure that customers pay a fair amount for the service provided. The increase strictly reflects the increase in service costs like truck maintenance, labor costs, fuel, etc. The final rates are determined by the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC or UTC). We have to have approval from the UTC in order to raise the rates. The UTC has the authority to set the final rates which could be higher or lower than the proposed rates from our companies.
Customers were notified by a letter mailed to the billing address that included the proposed rate increase as well as ways customers could comment or participate in the rate case.
The increase that was effective Oct. 1st, 2018 for Murrey’s & American customers was strictly related to the value of recycle. In the past you saw this as a credit on your bill. Recent disruption to global recycling markets has increased the cost for processing recyclables. Prices will adjust every five to twelve months to respond to future market changes. The cost increase is a “pass thru” cost – as the rate was increased for us to dispose of recyclable material that increase was passed to customers.
In Pierce County we have a rate structure that encourages customers to recycle. It is required that our rate for service be CHEAPER for those that recycle than those that don’t. This ‘inverted rate structure’ model means that everyone pays into the recycling program and those that recycle get a $1.00 per 35 gallons garbage service per month discount on their trash. The reason for this ordinance is to encourage as many customers as possible to participate in the recycling program. We encourage all customers to recycle because it is good for the environment, recycling may allow you to reduce your solid waste bill, and increased participation in the program will help keep program costs down. If you choose to cancel the recycle service, your overall monthly bill would actually increase. If you feel like you could recycle better and reduce the amount of garbage each week, you could opt for a smaller garbage container at a lower rate.
King County has a voluntary recycle program – it is completely optional and does not impact the garbage rates if you opt out of the recycle program.
King County has a voluntary recycle program – it is completely optional and does not impact the garbage rates if you opt out of the recycle program.
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Rate Increase Notice
Rate Increase Notice – Murrey’s, American & Vashon Disposal
Murrey’s, American & Vashon Disposal companies has filed a request for a rate increase with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
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INCLEMENT WEATHER ALERT
Weather permitting, all customers will be delayed one day during the week of February 11th, including Friday customers being picked up on Saturday.
Customers located in Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas along with will not receive pickups on Tuesday or Wednesday. Please double/triple up on the next scheduled pickup. We are VERY sorry for the inconvenience.
Yard Waste pickup has been suspended in an effort to get garbage picked up in a timely manner. If your yard waste is scheduled for service this week, please double up on your next scheduled pickup.
If you had a recycle miss please double up on your next scheduled recycle pick up.
Customers that did not receive service during the week of February 4th will be allowed to double up on the next scheduled pickup on the holiday delay or triple up the week of the 18th if missed again this week.
IF YOU ARE MISSED THIS WEEK ON THE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE, PLEASE DOUBLE/TRIPLE UP NEXT WEEK - RETURN TRIPS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED
Extra garbage can be set out in tied bags or a personal 32-gallon can up to the level of service you have. Extra recycle can be set out in a larger cardboard box or a personal can. Extra yard waste can be placed out in biodegradable bags or a personal 32-gallon can.
Return trips will not be provided. Over 80,000 customers have now been impacted by the weather and have missed or delayed service. We ask that customers continue to check our website for up-to-date information as it is available.
We appreciate your understanding as our goal is to provide SAFE service for both our communities and drivers. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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