To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Regional Solid Waste Planning - Annual Report from Republic Services
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Accept the annual report for the period of April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc. per the MOA
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Executive Summary:
The Department of Public Infrastructure is recommending that the Board accept the annual update from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc. ("Republic") for the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement (MOA), Republic is required to present an annual update on the progress made toward achieving the diversion goals established in the agreement, as well as other matters, including the remaining capacity of the landfill, any notices of violation from any governmental authority relating to the Facilities, and gate rates.
Discussion:
The Master Operations Agreement (MOA) was developed through a three-year County-City Solid Waste Advisory Group collaborative process between the committed cities (Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Sonoma and Cotati), the County, and public stakeholders. The Board of Supervisors launched the public process in December 2009 to build consensus regarding Sonoma County's long-term solid waste and recycling strategy. The provisions of the MOA were crafted to accomplish fundamental goals to create a system that provides:
1. Increased Diversion; decreased landfill disposal.
2. Public ownership for local control; private operations for economic efficiencies.
3. No pre-set volume (put-or-pay) disposal commitments, which support increased diversion and local flexibility.
4. Long term liability relief for closure, post-closure, and unforeseen environmental liabilities at the Central Disposal site.
5. A sustainable rate model that works with high levels of waste diversion.
6. In-county landfill to end reliance on outhaul export of Sonoma County trash and solid waste.
7. Quantifiable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
8. Ongoing funding for education, household hazardous waste, and other programs.
9. Ongoing funding source for closed county urban landfill sites.
Republic began operating the County solid waste facilities once the MOA became effective on April 1, 2015. Section 11.9 of the MOA requires Republic to submit an annual report to the County and present a report to the Board of Supervisors on the progress made toward the goals established in the MOA, including: waste diversion, greenhouse gas reductions, and any new activities and programs in the MOA. The annual report also summarizes gate rates, fees and charges, and any notices of violation from any regulatory agency.
Annual Progress Report on MOA Environmental Goals
Diversion
For the diversion reporting period of June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, annual diversion was 97,022 tons. This exceeds the annual diversion goal of 44,735 tons and meets the requirement in the agreement. This June-May reporting period is distinct from the April-March annual reporting period because it started when the Material Recycling Facility (MRF) became operational in June of 2017.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Results
Total GHG emissions in 2025 were 86,126 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent, which represents an increase of 20,690 tons, or 31.6% from 2024. Republic has indicated that improvements in monitoring and data accuracy contributed to the increase in reported emissions. Because GHG emissions are estimated using monitoring data and calculation methodologies that may change over time, year-to-year variations in reported emissions may reflect both actual conditions and changes in the quality or methodology of the estimates. Note: Diversion and GHG emissions are tracked on different reporting cycles under the MOA and are not directly linked. For example, diversion of materials such as soil improves diversion totals but does not affect landfill gas generation. As a result, higher diversion may occur in the same period as higher reported emissions.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
10/28/25 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
11/05/24 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
09/12/23 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
09/27/22 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
10/19/21 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
08/04/20 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
09/24/19 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
05/02/17 Board received the annual report for the period of January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
07/19/16 Board received the annual report for the period of April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
03/01/16 Board approved the Second Amendment to the Master Operations Agreement (MOA) to allow full access to the reuse area at the Sonoma Transfer Station and for reimbursement of up to $500,000 to Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc. for purchasing and installing storm water equipment.
03/03/15 Board approved the First Amendment to the MOA, the Landfill Settlement Agreement between the County and the Cities, the Limited Term Indemnity Agreement with Republic Services Related to Composting Operations, and the Joint Defense and Indemnity Agreement with the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no fiscal impacts with acceptance of the annual report.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
MOA Annual Report 2026; MOA Annual Presentation 2026
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Amended and Restated Master Operations Agreement; 1st Amendment to the Amended and Restated Master Operations Agreement