San Antonio trash pickup could see a rate increase in the next budget
City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management picks up trash.
Jerry Lara /Staff photographer
San Antonio City Council is already having discussions on next fiscal year’s budget, which could see council members discussing a rate increase for garbage service. The city’s budget director Justina Tate told the city council during the Wednesday, February 8, B session meeting that a rate increase is “likely” for the 2024 fiscal year.
Tate told council members that the solid waste fund is not “structurally balanced” due an increase in personnel, landfill, and equipment costs.
“As a result, to maintain the level of service, we are anticipating a rate increase is likely for this fiscal year 2024,” Tate said.
The solid waste budget is currently expected to be below budget because of a drop in recycling revenue, and she anticipates revenue will be down by $3.1 million this fiscal year.
How much of a rate increase was not discussed. The current monthly rates for curbside pickup range from $18 a month for a small bin to $30 a month for a large bin, according to the city’s website. If you have a medium or large bin, the city let’s you downsize for free. You can check the size of bin you have on your CPS Energy bill.
The preliminary budget schedule presented on Wednesday says that there will be community input sessions on the budget from May to June and August to September. The city council is expected to adopt the 2024 budget on September 14 with any rate changes expected to go into effect near the end of 2023.
