Huntsville seeking increase to trash, garbage pickup rates

HUNTSVILLE — Citing ensurance to “deliver quality, sustainable services,” the city of Huntsville is seeking a $5 per month increase in its sanitation rates.

“We have resisted rate increases for years but the time has come when we can’t delay this any longer,” said Public Works Director Chris McNeese.

The city operates 25 daily sanitation routes, collecting residential garbage from more than 70,000 households four days a week. In addition to the 25 automated sanitation trucks, 25 boom trucks service each route to pick up yard debris, empty boxes and other curbside items.

The residential rate is $16.50 per month.

An ordinance up for City Council consideration would increase the single-family rate to $21.50 on Jan. 1, 2025. The rate would increase again to $24.50 on Jan. 1, 2027. It represents the first increase since 2010.

For yard debris and other bulk collections, 10 cubic yards are picked up each week under the standard rate. The excessive bulk rate for this debris, which is $45 per five cubic yards over the covered 10 cubic yards, will increase to $55 on Jan. 1, 2025, and to $60 on Jan. 1, 2027.

As part of the rate study, the City compared its rates to the rates in peer cities.

“Everything costs more now, and it’s impacting our ability to provide necessary services that our residents depend upon,” McNeese said. “Our sanitation department works hard and takes great pride in meeting the needs of residents.”

In addition to standard services, Public Works offers “off the street” services, which accommodates residents who – for medical reasons – are unable to take their cart to the edge of the road for collection.

Sanitation workers bring the cart to its automated trucks on the street for garbage collection, then return the cart to the residence. This option is considered for those who fill out an application.

“We need to ensure we can continue to deliver quality, sustainable services at the lowest possible cost to our customers,” said McNeese. “The rate increase will allow us to maintain, grow and improve our services.”