Peabody’s $200-per-unit trash fee is now in effect: What to know before fall bills

Peabody’s new residential trash fee is already in effect, but many households will first see the charge on a quarterly water and sewer bill issued in fall 2026.

The fee took effect July 1, 2026, after City Council approval in June. The city’s implementation guide says the charge depends on the property’s residential structure and number of dwelling units, while qualifying owner-occupants may apply for one $100 discount or, in some multi-family cases, an abatement for vacant units.

Who is covered

The fee applies to residential structures with four units or fewer. It is charged at $200 per dwelling unit: a single-family home is charged $200 annually, a two-family home $400, a three-family home $600 and a four-family home $800.

Condominiums and apartment buildings with five or more units are excluded from the city trash fee. For multi-family homes with vacant units, the city says the vacancy may qualify for an abatement. Its example says a two-unit home with one approved vacant unit would owe $200 rather than $400.

Who may qualify for the $100 discount

One $100 discount may be available to a qualifying owner-occupant who meets at least one of the city’s categories: age 65 or older, veteran status, certain financial hardships or an active composting contract.

The general rules require the applicant to be the property’s title owner or trustee and to live in the home. A landlord who lives elsewhere cannot apply. The city guide says residents must be at least 65 as of July 1, 2026; veteran status must be documented through the Peabody Veterans’ Office; composting households must provide proof of an active contract; and hardship applicants must provide the information requested on the application.

The discount is not automatic. If multiple categories apply to one person—or different categories apply to multiple residents in the same household—the total discount remains $100.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

Residents seeking a discount or a vacancy abatement must apply. The city says applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and that there is no stated deadline to submit one.

Waiting to apply will not produce a retroactive credit. The city guide says the discount begins on the date the application is approved. The city anticipates that processing may take several weeks and says applicants will be contacted by phone or email after review.

Online applications are available through the city. Residents may also request a paper copy at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall, the Torigian Senior Center or any of Peabody’s three libraries. Completed applications may be returned in person or by mail to the Mayor’s Office at 24 Lowell Street.

What to expect on the utility bill

The trash fee will not be sent as a separate bill. The city guide says it will be included with quarterly water and sewer billing beginning in fall 2026.

The trash charge is separate from the 8% water and sewer rate increase approved for fiscal 2027. Residents should review the utility bill carefully rather than treating the new trash charge and the water and sewer rate change as a single fee.

What residents should do now

Households should first determine whether their property is a covered residential structure of four units or fewer. Eligible owner-occupants should review the city’s qualifications and apply early because approval is required and the $100 discount is not retroactive.

Residents in multi-family properties with vacancies should review the city’s abatement requirements and include the requested vacancy information with their application. All other covered households should check the first quarterly water and sewer bill issued this fall for the trash charge and other approved utility changes.

Sources

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