Fresno trash rates jump July 1: New 96- and 64-gallon prices + SWACP credit
Fresno residents getting City residential solid waste service will see higher bills starting July 1, 2026, under the City of Fresno’s five-year Prop. 218 solid waste rate plan.
The City’s Solid Waste Management Division provides weekly solid waste, recycling, and green/organic collection to residential accounts (using City carts). Businesses and apartment buildings are served by private waste haulers.
What changes on July 1, 2026 (and who it affects)
Under the City’s schedule, each annual rate change takes effect on July 1. Starting July 1, 2026:
- 96-gallon solid waste service rises to $38.70 per month.
- 64-gallon alternative (64-gallon trash) rises to $35.25 per month.
These are the City’s stated monthly residential solid waste rates. Your total City bill may still vary based on the service options shown on your account and other charges.
Rate details by service level
- 96-gallon solid waste service: the City’s “Basic” service level using 96-gallon carts for trash plus recycling and green/organics. The monthly rate is $38.70 starting July 1, 2026.
- Alternate service (64-gallon trash): a 64-gallon trash cart paired with 96-gallon carts for recycling and green/organics. The monthly rate is $35.25 starting July 1, 2026.
Why the City is increasing the residential rates
On its Prop. 218 rate update page, the City says the plan is designed as an affordable five-year approach to sustain reliable services, protect public health, and keep Fresno clean.
The City also adopted an amendment to its Master Fee Schedule that is set to take effect July 1, 2026, aligning the fee schedule with the next annual step in the residential rate plan.
If affordability is a concern: SWACP credits may help
Fresno also has a Solid Waste Affordability Credit Program (SWACP) for qualifying low-income residential customers.
How much the credit is: the City describes a $5 per month credit for water service and/or a $5 per month credit for residential solid waste service, with a maximum of $10 per month (or $120 over a 12-month period).
It’s not automatic: credits are first-come, first-served, and once the yearly limit is met, additional funds may not be available until the next fiscal year (which begins July 1). Customers must reapply each year.
What to do now (important SWACP timing)
- Apply by May 31 each year (for the upcoming July-to-June credit period).
- Credits run for 12 months from July to June.
- For continued participation into the next cycle, accountholders must submit required paperwork prior to June 1 (for the next period beginning July 1).
If you’re enrolled, the City’s application materials say affordability credits are applied to the accountholder’s utility bill for the next billing period, appearing on the next bill.
Watch for this on your bill
- Starting with service reflecting July 1, 2026, your monthly residential solid waste rate should reflect either $38.70 (96-gallon) or $35.25 (64-gallon alternative), depending on your service level.
- If you’ve applied and are approved through SWACP for the current cycle, look for the $5/month solid waste credit on your City utility bill.
Sources
- City of Fresno Prop. 218 solid waste rate update page (Residential Solid Waste Rate Update 2024)
- City of Fresno Legistar (ID 26-142): 590th Master Fee Schedule amendment resolution
- The Fresno Bee: 'Fresno trash rates are going up July 1' (June 29, 2026 report)
Look for updates to this story
Discover more from Interactive News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.