Tapped out? San Jose residents face another round of utility hikes; trash, water rates rise

WHILE UTILITY HIKES are a regular occurrence for San Jose residents, an especially sharp jump in garbage disposal fees and water rates have led to pushback amid growing concern over rising living costs.

Under new fee schedules set to take effect July 1, the start of fiscal year 2026-27, San Jose’s garbage disposal service fee will increase 7% for single-family households and 4% for multifamily households. In addition, water rates charged by San Jose Municipal Water System, the city’s water supplier that serves 140,000 residents, will jump roughly 4%. Meanwhile, the charge rate for sewer usage will increase a more modest 3%.