Three things make up the trash service fee: trash pick-up, franchise fee, and recycling program.

The trash pick-up portion of this fee pays for the trucks to pick up the trash, take it to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where recyclables are removed and deliver the residue to the landfill. For residents using barrels, this fee pays for separate pick up of green waste and covers charges imposed by the landfill to use green waste as a cover material at the landfill. The fee is adjusted by changes in the consumer price index (CPI), and by changes in actual costs to process and dispose of waste.

The franchise fee includes costs associated with managing the franchise agreement with the trash collection company. Currently, the franchise fee in Azusa is 10% of the total rate charged by Athens Services, plus the franchise fee itself. The fee is adjusted when the Trash Service Fee is adjusted.

The recycling program was mandated by the State of California in 1989 and required cities and counties throughout the state to develop recycling programs. This fee pays for administration of these programs and to maintain compliance with the state law. The fee is proportionate to the amount of waste disposed by different trash customers, including single family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, and those using industrial roll off containers.

If you have questions, call one of our customer service representatives at (626) 812-5225. They are ready to assist you with any question or concern you may have.