Phoenix approves trash and recycling rate hike for July 1

Phoenix residents will pay more for city trash and recycling service starting July 1, 2026, after the City Council approved a residential solid-waste rate increase on April 22.

The change applies to Phoenix residential solid waste service, including trash and recycling. City officials said the approved increase is a reduced version of an earlier proposal, not the original amount first discussed.

For households that receive solid waste service through the city, this is a direct bill change. The new rates will apply beginning with the billing cycle that starts after July 1, so residents have a short window to compare current charges with the updated rate schedule.

Why Phoenix says the rates are going up

City officials have tied the higher rates to a significant budget shortfall and rising operating costs. The city says the added revenue is needed to support existing trash and recycling service levels.

That matters because solid waste service is one of the city charges residents notice most clearly. Unlike a distant budget item, this is a recurring fee that shows up on a household bill.

Local news outlets described the approved increase as roughly 38% over the next three years, while also noting that the final vote scaled back the earlier request. Phoenix’s official rate page is the best place to check the exact amounts and the timeline for each step of the increase.

What residents should watch next

Between now and July 1, residents should watch for updated billing information from the city and review their current trash and recycling charge. That will make it easier to see how the new rate affects the next bill once the change takes effect.

The key point is simple: the council has already approved the increase, but the higher rates are not in effect yet. July 1 is the start date Phoenix set for the new residential solid waste charges.

Sources

• City of Phoenix Public Works newsroom
• Kjzz