SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): City of Houston residents have been raising complaints about garbage and recycling collection services.

According to Mark Wilfalk, Director of the city’s Solid Waste Department, it has been facing shortage of workers and even positions to get the work done on time. Even if all the positions are filled, the department would not be able to manage the workload. It is under these circumstances that the Department is planning to introduce a fee system, which he thinks would “right size” the department.

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The City plans to introduce a monthly fee schedule, although it has not decided upon the exact fee to be collected from residents. A third party consultant has been hired to study the matter and come up with a workable fee. Wilfalk reminded that many big cities have already incorporated such fees. For instance, the City of Dallas has been charging a monthly fees, which they raised to $37.98 per month last year.

Responding to proposed new garbage and recycling fee, Office of the Mayor John Whitmire noted that the city’s Solid Waste Department is committed to provide reliable services to Houstonians. The issue of additional fee is a developing issue that is under discussion and that there are no immediate plans, it said.