Public Works Proposes Adjustment to Monthly Residential Solid Waste Rate

The Public Works Department has presented a plan to City Council that would adjust the residential solid waste rate in order to keep up with rising operating costs. The proposed adjustments to the monthly solid waste fee are as follows:

• $6 monthly rate increase effective July 1, 2026
  $6 monthly rate increase effective July 1, 2027
  $5 monthly rate increase effective July 1, 2028
• Include an inflationary factor not to exceed 5% annually from July 1, 2029 through June 30, 2034.
• Increase the optional curbside green organics collection subscription fee to one-fourth of the applicable monthly Solid Waste rate, effective July 1, 2026 ($10.83 on that date).

The last time a solid waste rate adjustment was approved was in 2020. Since then, staff costs have risen 32%, vehicle costs have gone up by 52%, and construction and maintenance costs for critical infrastructure have increased by 40%. During the same time period, the monthly solid waste rate only increased by 2% annually. The Solid Waste Division is expecting a budget shortfall of $20.8 million this fiscal year. To address this shortfall and to keep revenue on pace with expenses in the future, athe multi-year fee increase is recommended. The increase will ensure that Solid Waste can continue providing reliable service and comply with legal requirements when it comes to operating necessary solid waste infrastructure, such as landfills and transfer stations.

The Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it covers all operating costs with its own revenue, rather than with general funds from the City's budget. While some of Solid Waste's revenue comes from drop-off disposal fees and the sale of recyclables, the vast majority (86%) of the money Solid Waste brings in comes from the monthly fee residents pay to have their solid waste collected from their homes. This fee is reflected on a customer's monthly city services bill, which also includes fees for water and sewer services.

If a rate increase does not go into effect to start the fiscal year in July 2026, the Public Works Department would be unable to provide solid waste collection and disposal services as they currently exist. The alternative to a rate increase would be large reductions in service.

Residents are invited to attend any of nine community info sessions where they can hear directly from Public Works representatives and have their questions answered. City Council will vote on the proposed rate adjustment on April 22, 2026.

For a schedule of the community info sessions, detailed rate charts, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the new webpage dedicated to the proposed rate adjustment at phoenix.gov/swrate2026.