Bulk waste and the budget—Council members mull decision to increase trash fees and limit extra pick-ups

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The proposal to increase Memphis trash fees by 23% passed its first vote at the Memphis City Council on Tuesday.

An item must make it through three votes to receive final approval.

During a budget hearing on Wednesday, council members grilled the head of the Solid Waste division, asking him why the increase is needed.

Memphians face a budget-busting trifecta right now: MLGW electric bills are already higher this year after a 12% increase passed. Memphis Mayor Paul Young just asked the city council for a 28% hike in property taxes.

And now—trash fees might go up.

“We know we can’t continue to go the way we’re going,” said Councilwoman Rhonda Logan during the trash fee debate, “but we know it’s not ever going to go back to how it used to be.”

Solid Waste Director Philip Davis told council trash fees must go up if Memphians want items outside the trash cart picked up.

“It is bulk waste that has increased tremendously in the last six years or so, since 2017,” said Davis, “Bulk waste is breaking the bank. Being able to put bagged leaves, furniture, and storm debris at the curb for regular pick-up is a luxury most other cities no longer offer.

“The industry is moving to cart-only service,” said Davis.

Right now, the City of Memphis’ monthly solid waste fee is $29.96 a month.

Davis proposed an increase of $6.89 the first year, taking it to $36.85. A $2.95 increase in year two takes it to $39.80 a month.

Another increase of $2.78 in year three would raise your Memphis trash bill to $42.58 a month.

“You proposed a stair step,” said Councilwoman Jerri Green, “The first step is a huge step!”

“For some people,” said Councilwoman Micalyn Easter-Thomas, “this fee increase may not impact their pockets. But some folks, you tell them they’re going to have to pay an extra $7, and for some folks that’s a whole hour of work!”

Director Davis said additional revenue from the fee increase would be used to:

*Hire more than 100 new employees

*Raise wages

*Create blight strike teams

*Open community drop-off locations

*And replace trucks every 10 years

”You have 51 vacant positions and only 31 of those are posted,” said Councilwoman Green, “but you’re asking for 133 more. I just need to know how realistic it is that we fill those jobs?”

Council members questioned Davis for two hours. Raising fees isn’t popular, but neither is the alternative.

“We don’t want a dirty city!” said Councilwoman Logan.

The city estimates the amount of bulk waste more than tripled from 52,000 tons in 2017 to 179,000 tons in 2022.

Solid Waste officials say more storms happening in a city of trees create more storm debris.

Bagged leaves also create a problem for the city’s trash service.

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