Fairbanks

Fairbanks trash hauler seeks 158 percent rate increase

FAIRBANKS — A company providing refuse service to 318 residential customers outside the city wants a 158 percent rate increase, arguing its current rates are "confiscatorily low."

Alaska Waste is seeking an interim rate increase of 96 percent for its Fairbanks operation, submitting a revenue study to support its position that the current rates approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska do not produce an "adequate return."

Other branches of Alaska Waste are also seeking double-digit rate permanent increases, including an 11.45 percent increase in Anchorage, 26 percent in Mat-Su and 31 percent in Kenai. The company is seeking interim rate increases only for the Interior and Kenai, with a 10 percent interim hike proposed for Kenai.

The increases in the other areas would take place if they are approved by the RCA.

In the Fairbanks area, the biggest increase would be for picking up one 32-gallon container per week, with the fee rising from $21.43 to $68.64, a 220 percent increase. The interim increase would be to $42.02, a 96 percent increase. Overall, the company seeks to raise its annual revenues from $95,880 to $247,726.

The city of Fairbanks provides trash service within the city limits, while many of those living outside the city take their trash to transfer sites maintained by taxes.

Alaska Waste is a subsidiary of Waste Connections, a firm based in Houston, Texas with operations in 30 states.

Dermot Cole

Former ADN columnist Dermot Cole is a longtime reporter, editor and author.

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