SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Decatur City Council has approved increased garbage, recycling fees by a 6-1 vote Monday evening. The only vote against the proposal was by Councilman Ed Culp. Accordingly, the city’s garbage and recycling collection rates are expected to surge higher by approximately 40% over the period of next three years.
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There will be an increase in basic fee for residential garbage service from $19 to $23.50 per month with immediate effect. It will see annual increase for the next three years to touch $26.42 per month by July 2026.
It must be noted that the city residents had raised opposition to rate hike in a public hearing held last month. Many residents had raised complaints about the services provided by their hauler. Meantime, the new ordinance eliminates waste bin rental fees and other hidden fees charged by haulers, thus resulting in savings of $4-$6 per month for customers, City staff noted.
The ordinance calls for standardization of waste bins and elimination of most alley garbage and recycling collection. Also, customers are required to negotiate directly with the hauler in case they require additional yard waste services beyond basic residential services.
This is the first rate hike since July 2021.
