AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) - Auburn residents will soon see sharp increases in their garbage collection bills — with some fees nearly doubling — when new solid waste rates take effect Oct. 1.
Monthly curbside collection will rise 36%, jumping from $23.50 to $32. That means a typical household will pay about $102 more each year.
Backdoor collection customers will see the biggest jump with rates increasing 107% from $33.50 to $69.50. That translates into an extra $432 annually.
For residents with an approved medical waiver, backdoor service will remain at the curbside rate of $32 per month.
WRBL has reached out to environmental services for additional information. According to the website the current fees no longer cover the true cost of service. Since 2014, Auburn's solid waste customer base has grown by 55%—from 12,563 households to 19,504—while rates have stayed flat.
To bridge the gap, the City's general fund has been forced to subsidize $3.1 million over the past 13 years, with $2 million budgeted for this year alone. Without changes, leaders project subsidies could soar to $9 million within four years.
The Solid Waste Fund is supposed to be self-sustaining, covering all operational and capital costs. Officials say the October increase is designed to get the program back on track without draining money from police, fire, public works, and parks.
Independent studies in 2017 and 2023 both recommended raising fees, but plans were delayed in 2019 as the City held off during COVID-19's economic uncertainty. Since then, Auburn has continued absorbing costs through subsidies. The goal of this increase is to ensure the Solid Waste Fund can support itself so the general fund can remain focused on other essential city services.
Residents will see the new rates reflected on bills received after Oct. 1. For more details, visit auburnal.gov/es.
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