Why is the ERF calculated on top of the Fuel Recovery Fee?

Republic Services applies the ERF to base charges plus the Fuel Recovery Fee, a structure commonly called fee-on-fee. This means the ERF percentage is applied to a larger base than the raw service charge alone, which increases the absolute dollar amount of the fee.

Is 18% the correct ERF rate for all Republic Services customers?

18% is the standard published rate, but local markets and individual contracts can carry different rates. Municipal franchise agreements sometimes specify a maximum ERF, and negotiated service agreements may set a fixed or capped rate. If your invoice shows a rate other than 18%, check your contract and local market disclosures before assuming an error.

Fee explainer

Republic Services Environmental Recovery Fee (ERF): Rate, Calculation, and What to Check

Last updated: June 23, 2026

The Republic Services Environmental Recovery Fee (ERF) is a monthly percentage surcharge applied to commercial waste invoices. The standard published rate is 18% of applicable charges, which includes your base service charges plus the Fuel Recovery Fee. Some local markets and service contracts specify a different rate.

How is the Republic Services ERF calculated?

The ERF is a fixed percentage applied to your applicable charges after the Fuel Recovery Fee (FRF) is added. This fee-on-fee structure is the published standard: the ERF percentage is multiplied by (base service charges + FRF amount).

Example: Base charge of $185.00 with an FRF of $15.73 gives an ERF base of $200.73. At 18%, the ERF is $36.13.

The ERF does not adjust monthly based on an index. Unlike the FRF, it is a fixed percentage that Republic can update through formal policy changes with customer notice.

What rate should appear on my invoice?

The standard published rate is 18%. Verify it against the current Fee Disclosures page at republicservices.com/customer-support/fee-disclosures. Some local markets have historically carried rates as low as 16.5%, reflecting franchise conditions or older contract terms.

If your invoice shows a rate other than 18%, first check whether your service agreement or a local franchise agreement specifies a different rate. A rate consistent with a written agreement is not an error.

Does the ERF change monthly like the FRF?

No. The Environmental Recovery Fee is a fixed percentage set by Republic Services policy. It does not change monthly based on a price index. When Republic does update the ERF rate, it provides advance notice to customers before the change takes effect.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Republic Services Environmental Recovery Fee?: The Environmental Recovery Fee (ERF) is a percentage surcharge on Republic Services commercial waste invoices. The standard published rate is 18% of applicable charges, which includes your base service charges and the Fuel Recovery Fee (FRF). Some markets or service agreements carry a different rate.
Why is the ERF calculated on top of the Fuel Recovery Fee?: Republic Services applies the ERF to base charges plus the Fuel Recovery Fee, a structure commonly called fee-on-fee. This means the ERF percentage is applied to a larger base than the raw service charge alone, which increases the absolute dollar amount of the fee.
Is 18% the correct ERF rate for all Republic Services customers?: 18% is the standard published rate, but local markets and individual contracts can carry different rates. Municipal franchise agreements sometimes specify a maximum ERF, and negotiated service agreements may set a fixed or capped rate. If your invoice shows a rate other than 18%, check your contract and local market disclosures before assuming an error.

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