HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Customers of the City of Huntsville’s trash collection service pay higher rates beginning Jan. 1, 2025, following this week's approval of an increase by the City Council.
Officials note it is the first increase in nearly 15 years and only the second time rates have gone up since 1999.
“We have resisted rate increases for years but the time has come when we can’t delay this any longer,” said Chris McNeese, Director of Public Works. “Everything costs more now, and it’s impacting our ability to provide necessary services that our residents depend upon. Our sanitation department works hard and takes great pride in meeting the needs of residents.”
The new rates will help offset expenses for the weekly collection of garbage for more than 70,000 households as well as weekly collection of yard debris, empty boxes and other curbside items.
Here's how the change works, according to the City:
Residential rates will increase from $16.50 per month to $21.50 per month in January. The rate will go up to $24.50 on Jan. 1, 2027, and $27.50 on Jan. 1, 2029. The cost for extra cans will go up from $3 per can per month to $9 on Jan. 1, $12 in 2027 and $15 in 2029.
Rates will not increase for qualified low-income customers, remaining at $10 per month, though extra can rates will go up from $3 to $6 per month in January, $9 in 2027 and $11 in 2029.
Commercial standard rates will go up from $29 per month to $37 on Jan. 1, $41 in 2027 and $45 in 2029.
The excessive bulk waste charge will go up from $45 per five cubic yards overages to $55 on Jan. 1, $60 in 2027 and $65 in 2029.
Huntsville trash collection trucks run 25 daily routes, with an additional 25 boom trucks servicing each route to pick up yard debris, empty boxes and other curbside items.
