Rising Costs Could End Phoenix's Municipal Recycling Program

The city of Phoenix will either have to raise the rate for waste removal int he city or cut programs like recycling.

1 minute read

November 14, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Phoenix, Arizona

Andrew Yahin / Shutterstock

"Disposing of trash, recyclables and yard waste is getting more expensive for Phoenix, and the city likely will have to start passing that cost onto customers or discontinue its recycling and compost programs altogether," reports Jessica Boehm.

The cost of waste removal for single-family residences in Phoenix has held steady for ten years, at $26.80 a month, but that rate is no longer enough to cover expense for the services of Phoenix Public Works.

"Just to continue curbside trash pickup in Phoenix, the city will need to raise the rate by $4.75 per month. If it wants to keep its recycling and green organics programs as well, the city will have to bump the rate by $6.40," according to Boehm.

The article includes more details about the four rate change proposals under consideration before the City Council, which will vote on the issue in January.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 in Arizona Republic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Bronze statue of homeless man (Jesus) with head down and arm outstretched in front of St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.

5 seconds ago - The New York Times

Historic stone structure surrounding natural spring in India with plaques.

Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’

Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.

1 hour ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful

Blue Bublr bikes parked at station on sidewalk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations

Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.

2 hours ago - OnMilwaukee