Council approves HF&H amendment to negotiate new hauling contract, prepare for SB 1383 organic-waste rules

The Seal Beach City Council voted 5-0 on Oct. 27 to approve Amendment 1 to the city's professional services agreement with HF&H Consultants to assist staff in negotiating an updated agreement with the city's waste hauler (Republic Services) and to prepare for compliance with state organic-waste rules, commonly known as SB 1383.

Management analyst Lauren Barris presented the item and explained the amendment would support updates to the long-standing hauling agreement (the contract dates back to 1997) and help the city comply with state mandates to reduce organic waste. Barris told council that the work is partly funded by state grants and that the city budgeted $25,000 toward the consultant effort.

Councilmembers pressed staff on enforcement and operational details. Councilmember Sinegal asked who would enforce compliance when residents place organics into green bins and whether notices or penalties would be issued. Barris and city staff said enforcement responsibility ultimately sits with the jurisdiction and would be a joint effort between the city and Republic Services; code enforcement and the hauler's reporting will be components of a compliance program. Staff said the city is planning bin rollouts so households would receive green bins and noted a future technology investment (AMI metering) is planned to enable more frequent billing cycles.

On rates, staff advised that the city is awaiting a draft rate structure from Republic Services and could not yet provide a precise timetable for when rates would change; negotiations and council adoption of a new hauling agreement are expected in early 2026. The council approved the amendment 5-0.

The action makes clear the city recognizes SB 1383 as an unfunded state mandate with both operational and fiscal consequences, and staff said they will return with negotiated terms and any resulting rate adjustments when negotiations are complete.