Houston Proposed Monthly Garbage Fee

planned

Houston Mayor John Whitmire proposed a $5 monthly administrative fee tied to solid waste services starting next fiscal year. The fee is intended to transition solid waste operations into a utility model as required by state law. The fee would generate approximately $24 million to $25 million annually and remain at $5 for at least the first two years, with any future increases requiring city council approval. The fee is controversial due to its impact on lower-income residents and potential future increases to $46 per month by Year 5.