Phoenix Public Works Department recommends raising garbage collection fees by 50%

Phoenix residents may soon have to pay more to have their garbage collected. The city’s Public Works Department says the only alternative is a reduction in services.

The agency, which serves over 400,000 customers, recommended increasing monthly fees people would need to pay for collecting garbage over the course of three years.

Under the proposal, residents would pay almost 50% more for garbage collection.

Felipe Moreno is the director for the Public Works Department.

“Due to rising costs such as inflation and just general things getting more expensive that we've seen around the country, the financial status of our fund is facing a shortfall,” he said.

However, some city officials have raised concerns about high costs.

Councilmember Anna Hernandez says the potential action would affect a specific demographic.

“Rate increases typically burden low-income families the most. Even while they may contribute, they contribute less waste,” she said.

The Public Works Department warns that no update to the increasing rates by July would result in a reduction in waste collection and disposal services.

The City Council is expected to vote on such adjustments in April.