Phoenix Raises Residential Collection Rates

The city of Phoenix is raising its residential trash collection rates for the first time in more than a decade.

Earlier this week, the City Council voted to increase waste collection rates by $6.40 a month. Beginning in two months, residents will pay $33.20 a month for services, compared to the $26.80 per month they pay for weekly trash, compost and recycling collections.

According to a KTAR News report, the council had three alternatives to the increase, including one option that would have ended compost collection and another that would have reduced recycling collection. All three alternatives would have resulted in fee increases and loss of city jobs.

KTAR News has more information:

No, it’s not April Fools. In two months, trash service rates are going up in Phoenix by $6.40 a month.

Also not April Fools: All of the public comment at Tuesday’s city council policy meeting was in favor of rate hikes.

“I’m dependent on my garbage being collected,” resident Dolores Henderson said. “I know there’s more involved than just picking up my can.”

Read the full article here.