As many people work from home and Phoenix’s population continues to grow, so does the amount of trash and recyclables. Over the past two years, the monthly rate residential customers pay has increased $7.
Felipe Moreno, deputy director of Phoenix public works, told a city subcommittee revenue is coming in higher than projected.
“$160 million in revenue for our monthly fee in 2021, and, we’re a little over $8 million more for 21-22 (2021-2022),” he said.
Moreno said the city’s collecting about a million more in disposal fees and recycling revenue is up $2 million.
The department’s fleet of vehicles has improved since the City Council approved higher residential rates. In October 2018, 31% of vehicles were considered in good or excellent condition. In June 2022, it was 73%.
The council recently allocated $10 million in federal funds to upgrade the 27th Avenue transfer station that handles trash and recyclables. The city says the equipment there is outdated and inefficient.
Although staffing shortages have impacted residential trash and recycling collection in some Valley cities, that’s not happened in Phoenix.
Public Works Director Joe Giudice said crews are working extra hours, “A real great credit to the workforce.”
The Solid Waste Association of North America said residential trash spiked about 20% early in the pandemic and remains above pre-pandemic levels.
