Why charge a garbage fee?

  • The City spends over $200 million annually to collect refuse from approximately 600,000 households living in single family homes up to four dwelling unit buildings.
  • The garbage fee helps offset the City's annual garbage collection costs for the approximately 600,000 households serviced by the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

What does $9.50 cover?

  • The $9.50 per dwelling unit per month garbage fee covers all garbage collection services at the residence.
  • The fee will cover approximately one-quarter of the City’s garbage collection costs.
  • The City’s garbage fee is comparatively lower than the average fees paid by residents of surrounding suburbs.

How is the garbage fee calculated? (Per bldg, unit, container, etc.)

  • Residents receiving City garbage collection are charged the $9.50 per month garbage fee for each dwelling unit.
  • This fee will be billed as part of a new, unified utility bill that will include water, sewer, and garbage charges. This unified utility bill will match the resident’s current water and sewer billing cycle.
  • Monthly fee charges by residence type:
    • Single family home: $9.50 per month
    • Two dwelling unit building: $19 per month
    • Three dwelling unit building: $28.50 per month
    • Four dwelling unit building: $38 per month
    • Senior Freeze eligible residence: $4.75 per month per dwelling unit

Are residents paying for recycling too?

  • No. There is no extra charge for recycling.

Are lawn waste and bulky items included in monthly fee?

  • There is no additional cost for lawn waste or bulk waste collection.

Can a residence currently receiving City-provided garbage collection discontinue City service and switch to private collection?

  • Residents receiving City garbage collection services cannot opt out of city-provided garbage collection.
  • Garbage collection is necessary to protect the public health and keep our neighborhoods clean.
  • Per the City’s Municipal Code, the Department of Streets and Sanitation is the exclusive provider of garbage collection at residential properties with four units or fewer.

If I cancel my current contract with my private hauler, will I be allowed to switch to City service?

  • No
  • The City collects garbage from residential properties with four units or less. Larger residential and commercial buildings are not eligible for City garbage collection.