What’s changing in 2026 (and beyond)

Phoenix City Council approved a multi-year residential solid waste rate schedule on April 22, 2026. Per the City’s approved schedule, the monthly residential solid waste rate increases as follows:

• July 2026: +$5/month (new approved rate: $42.32/month)
• July 2027: +$5/month
• July 2028: +$4/month
• Each July from 2029 to 2033: Public Works will assess whether an inflationary increase is needed, not to exceed 5% in a single year

The City also explains the solid waste rate is an enterprise fund charge—meaning Solid Waste covers operating costs using its own revenue, rather than relying on general funds from the City budget.

Why the City says it’s raising the fee

On its rate adjustment materials, the City says the increase is needed to address a budget shortfall and keep revenue aligned with operating and infrastructure costs required to maintain ongoing solid waste collection and disposal service.

How to reduce your bill: the smaller-container discount

One bill-lowering option is switching to a smaller trash container. The City offers a 60-gallon (black) refuse container for residents receiving curbside collection service. Residents can exchange the standard 90-gallon container for the smaller 60-gallon container at a reduced monthly rate, and the City says the newly approved discount increases to $5 per month for a 60-gallon trash container (up from $3/month).

To qualify for the smaller-container discount, the City says households must be enrolled in the City’s recycling program, which it describes as having no additional cost.

Could you qualify for help paying the bill?

The City says Project Assist may help customers who are having trouble paying for water, sewer, or solid waste services. The City’s guidance says customers must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty income level to apply, and that Project Assist is administered by the Human Services Department.

What residents should do now (and where to find details)

• Check your current trash container size and whether you’re enrolled in the City’s recycling program (needed for the smaller-container discount).
• If money is tight, review the City’s Project Assist eligibility guidance and follow the City’s instructions for checking options.
• Use the official City rate schedule/FAQ for the full multi-year timeline and the discount/assistance details.

The City also published the message in its PHX At Your Service (PAYS) July 2026 newsletter notice, telling residents they will notice the increase on their July solid waste bill.

Sources

• City of Phoenix — 2026 Solid Waste Rate Adjustment (rate schedule + FAQ)

For a typical 5/8 x 3/4-inch residential customer, the proposal would raise the monthly Fontana bill from $84.01 to $90.78 in 2026-27. It would then rise to $94.02 in 2027-28 and $96.93 in 2028-29, for a total increase of $12.92 over the three-year period.

What changes

The proposed decision would authorize less than the company asked for in its original filing. It also would raise the customer assistance program subsidy from $1.65 to $12 a month for each division, which would soften the impact for qualifying customers.

For Fontana households and small businesses, the practical point is simple: this is another utility cost to watch. Even a modest monthly increase can add up over a year, especially for customers already managing higher prices elsewhere.

What happens next

The commission can approve, modify, or delay the proposal. If adopted as written, the new rates would take effect July 1, 2026, under the proposed decision.

For now, Fontana water customers should treat this as a pending rate decision, not a finished one.

Sources

• CPUC proposed decision for San Gabriel Valley Water Company general rate increase
• CPUC public forums notice on San Gabriel Valley Water rate application
• Fontana Water general rate case fact sheet