Memphis could hike solid waste collection fees in 2024. And more increases can come
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that bulk waste collection happens bi-weekly.
The Memphis City Council Tuesday morning heard multiple options for new models of collecting solid waste in Memphis, each of which included a rate increase for residents.
The rate increase for each of the three options was presented to council members Tuesday, each of which would demand a different rate increase. Solid Waste Director Philip Davis said the request comes as the department faces a budget shortfall.
That shortfall, he said, comes alongside an increased amount of waste being put on the curb and people abusing the bulk waste service, alongside higher costs for labor and equipment.
According to Davis, bulk waste ― which includes tree limbs, furniture, mattresses and any trash that does not fit in a garbage can ― has skyrocketed since 2017. Prior to 2017, it was consistently between 50,000 tons and 60,000 tons. In 2022, that volume reached 179,000 tons, he said.
The last time the residential solid waste rate was increased was in 2019 when a 31% increase brought it to $29.96 a month. The suggested rate increase now could see residents paying nearly $50 dollars a month by 2029.
The rate has historically been added to a utility bill from Memphis Light, Gas & Water, the city-owned utility that is also seeking to raise electricity rates. However, some city council members suggested the fee could be based on how much people pay in property taxes since the rate increase could impact Memphis’ poorest community members if administered evenly.
That suggestion was tabled until it could be talked over with the city’s legal team, but Davis said he would be interested in speaking with them about that.
What are the different options, and how much would each cost ratepayers?
Option one presented to the city council Tuesday morning would require residents to call 311 to book a bulk waste pickup. This option came with the lowest rate increase, but would require a “large behavior adjustment,” Davis said, because that is currently picked up every two weeks.
This option would also allow residents to request up to four bulk waste collections each year, and those who do not call 311 and place bulk waste on the curb would be given a code violation and have to face another fee.
Option two would keep that bi-weekly schedule, but crack down on code violations.
Option one would increase the solid waste fee to $38.95 in 2024, and $45.57 in 2029;
Option two would increase the solid waste fee to $41.05 in 2024, and $47.61 in 2029;
Option three would increase the solid waste fee to $44.04 in 2024, and $49.33 in 2029.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis waste collection fees could spike in 2024, more hikes to come
