Phoenix trash and recycling fees rise July 1 after council approval
Phoenix AZ – The city’s trash and recycling bill rises July 1, then again in 2027 and 2028, after council approved a phased rate hike.
Phoenix households will see a higher trash and recycling bill starting July 1, after the Phoenix City Council approved a three-year solid waste rate increase in April.
The city says the monthly residential charge will rise by $5 on July 1, 2026, then by another $5 in July 2027 and by $4 in July 2028. By the end of the phase-in, the monthly rate is expected to reach $51.32.
For residents, the main takeaway is timing. The first increase begins with the July 1 billing cycle, not at the end of the year or all at once. Phoenix households that receive residential solid waste service should plan for a higher monthly bill this summer, with two more increases to follow over the next two years.
City officials say the adjustment is tied to rising staffing, vehicle, and maintenance costs. The city says the added revenue is intended to help keep service levels stable and avoid cuts.
That matters because trash and recycling service is one of the most routine city bills many households pay. Even modest increases can add up over time, especially for renters and homeowners already dealing with higher utility and living costs. The phased structure also gives residents a clearer timeline for budgeting instead of a one-time jump.
The council approved the rate change on April 22, 2026. The city’s residential trash and recycling information page also reflects the coming rate change and the July 1 start date, and a public notice on tax and fee changes provides additional confirmation of the billing timeline.
For Phoenix residents, the practical takeaway is simple: expect the solid waste bill to increase this summer, then again in July 2027 and July 2028. The city’s stated goal is to preserve service as costs rise, but households will feel the change gradually over three annual steps rather than in a single bill spike.
