Phoenix weighs three-year residential trash fee increases that would raise monthly bills by nearly 50%
Proposal outlines phased increases starting July 2026
Phoenix is considering a multi-year increase in the monthly fee residents pay for curbside solid waste collection, a move city officials say is needed to keep the sanitation system financially stable and avoid service reductions. The proposal would raise the standard monthly residential solid waste rate by $6 on July 1, 2026, another $6 on July 1, 2027, and $5 on July 1, 2028.
Under the plan, the monthly fee would rise from $37.32 to $43.32 in 2026, then to $49.32 in 2027, and to $54.32 in 2028. That total change amounts to roughly a 45.6% increase over three years, based on the current base rate.
City says costs have outpaced revenue since last rate change
Phoenix Public Works describes its Solid Waste Division as an enterprise fund, meaning it is designed to cover operating and capital expenses primarily through fees rather than general city tax revenue. City materials show that most revenue comes from the monthly residential solid waste charge, with additional income from sources such as disposal fees and sales of recyclables.
The city says the last City Council-approved adjustment to solid waste rates occurred in 2020. Since then, Phoenix reports significant increases in operating expenses, including higher labor costs, more expensive vehicles and equipment, and rising construction and maintenance costs tied to landfills, transfer stations and other infrastructure. Phoenix projects a $20.8 million shortfall in the solid waste fund in the current fiscal year and forecasts that reserves could be depleted without additional revenue.
Inflation factor and organics subscription changes included
Beyond the three scheduled increases, the proposal includes an inflationary adjustment beginning July 1, 2029. City documents describe an annual review and a cap of 5% per year for increases from July 1, 2029 through June 30, 2034.
The plan also restructures pricing for the optional curbside green organics program. Phoenix proposes setting that subscription at one-quarter of the applicable monthly solid waste rate beginning July 1, 2026, which would change the monthly organics fee as the base trash rate changes over time.
Key dates, service implications and household options
The proposal was presented to the City Council at a policy session on Feb. 10, 2026. The city has scheduled a council vote for April 22, 2026, ahead of the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2026.
City materials state that, without a rate increase taking effect for July 2026, Phoenix would be unable to maintain solid waste collection and disposal services “as they currently exist,” with service reductions presented as the alternative.
Residents can reduce monthly costs by switching from a standard 90-gallon garbage container to a 60-gallon container, which the city says costs $3 less per month under the current rate structure.
Phoenix offers a financial assistance pathway through Project Assist for qualifying customers who meet income eligibility requirements.
The council’s decision in April will determine whether the first increase appears on bills beginning in July 2026, setting the trajectory for the full three-year schedule.