Garbage and recycling pickup is getting more expensive for some Clackamas County residents this summer, with urban households seeing the largest monthly increase.

New rates took effect July 1 for residents in unincorporated areas of the county, including Stafford, which falls within the urban fee zone.

Households with a standard 32-gallon cart in urban areas will pay $5.65 more per month — about an additional $11.30 on a typical two-month bill. Rural customers will see increases of $3.35 per month, while distant rural and mountain households will pay about $4.65 more per month.

The county said the increases are tied to rising labor costs, fuel expenses and disposal fees charged to garbage and recycling companies.

County officials review financial records from the seven companies that provide garbage and recycling service in unincorporated Clackamas County. The Solid Waste Commission then recommends rates before the Board of County Commissioners approves them.

Without the increase, officials said collection companies’ operating returns would have fallen below target levels. The new rates are expected to bring returns to about 8.12%.

The county is also preparing a reduced-fee program that would offer a 75% discount for qualifying households earning at or below 60% of the state median income.

The program’s launch date has not been announced.

The new rates apply to unincorporated Clackamas County, along with Happy Valley and Barlow, which use the county’s rate-setting process.

Residents in cities such as Lake Oswego and West Linn should check with their city governments for separate garbage rates.

Residents with billing questions can contact their garbage hauler or the county’s Sustainability & Solid Waste Program at 503-557-6363.