Napa’s Garbage Revenue Takes Huge Hit from Business Closures Due to COVID-19

Napa County’s shelter-in-place order has been in effect since March 15, resulting in the major decline in garbage from restaurants, bars and hotels, and also in revenue.

According to Phil Brun, the Utilities Director for the City of Napa, trash disposal is down 28% and food composting is down 68% with the bulk coming from commercial properties. Waste from multi-family facilities and senior homes is not enough to make up for that loss and will be reflected in the city’s budget.

In April, Brun told the City Council to expect a $690,000 shortfall this fiscal year and a $1.9 million shortfall in the next fiscal year starting July 1. In order to help that projected imbalance, Brun recommended three measures including canceling the transfer of $1.1 million to the Public Works Department for road work, adjust the contract with Napa Waste and Recycling Service and finally, request the Waste Management Authority to forego the annual increase in cost per ton of waste brought into the transfer station.

No action was taken by City Council on Brun’s recommendations, but they will meet again on June 8.

Read the full article from The Napa Valley Register here.