Phoenix residents will soon be paying more for trash and recycling, with collection fees increasing by $14 over the next three years.
The jump was approved during the Wednesday City Council meeting. That increase means monthly solid waste collection fees will jump to $51.32 a month by July 2028, a 38% increase.
Monthly rates will go up by $5 in July 2026, another $5 in July 2027 and finally $4 in July 2028.
"We need to do this because if we don’t do this, we won’t have the equipment to pick up trash, but we also won’t have the services we are used to having," Councilwoman Laura Pastor said.
City staff had initially proposed a $17 monthly increase for trash and recycling, but landed on the final rate after a series of public meetings. Annual bumps will be tied to inflation starting in 2029.
“To again control costs incrementally if needed, and to maintain or mitigate the need for large spikes," Moreno said.
Public Works Director Felipe Moreno told the City Council that staffing, vehicle and maintenance costs have jumped by double digits since 2020.
That has put the Solid Waste Division on the verge of an expected $20.8 million budget shortfall this fiscal year. The council voted 8-1.
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