Athens Services rate amendment

Small business owner worried her garbage bill could double from about $300 to $600 a month and questioned the long auto-renewing contract.

Resident and 2026 council candidate said residents and businesses only recently learned of the amendment and feared uncapped long-term rate increases of up to 60%.

Lifelong resident said the trash cost increase would hurt her and her brother, and urged the city to competitively shop the contract like neighboring Rosemead and Alhambra.

Speaking through a translator, said Chinese American residents — over 40% of the city — were unaware of the 25-year contract change and deserve to be informed and involved.

Cited figures showing a typical commercial bin rising from $312 to $502 monthly (a 60.8% increase) and urged rejection or major modification, plus Prop 218 protests.

Restaurant and liquor store owner said his trash bill jumped 30% in 2024, quoted Republic Services at $370 versus his $556 bill, and asked the council to slow down and independently review the rates.

30-year resident who learned of the increase on social media asked for more transparency about the contract terms and suggested seeking requests for proposals from other haulers.