In an effort to build revenue for the Streets Department, as well as spark residential recycling, the City of Philadelphia is researching the potential impacts in assessing a fee for garbage collection. Reported by The Inquirer this morning, the idea is only being discussed as officials analyze other cities’ best practices, the environmental impact and the possible effects on residential communities.
The new revenue could balance disposal costs, which total $95 million each year, according to the article (read the full article.)
The article also cites the city’s 8% recycling participation rate and that a garbage fee would encourage more residential recycling.
However, I would like to see the what effect single-stream has on the city before we can use that as a reason; as of just last week single-stream was extended to every corner of Philadelphia, with weekly recycling to be available by the end of the year. I’d like to think that will have a positive effect in recycling rates.
Also, I’m hesitant to embrace the idea due to the threat of increased illegal dumping. Charging residents for a previously free City service would certainly prompt some to take their trash elsewhere, whether that is to the corner wire basket, the closest company dumpster or a nearby vacant lot. Illegal dumping is an issue in Philadelphia that would only be fueled by such a fee.
But what is your reaction? Would this be a welcomed move by the new administration, or a tipping point to push away potential residents and irk those already here? Would the benefits of additional revenue outweigh the costs to the individual? Feel free to toss your ideas out there.
Comments (5)
I thought I paid for my trash pickup through my city wage tax? I'm opposed to any fee. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to pay my heating bill this winter, with gas at over $4.00 a gallon! And I find it hard to believe we only have an 8% recylcing rate - the majority of my trash goes into the recycling bin. Also, I live in West Philly and there have actually been city workers rooting through our trash to give us warnings about not recycling, telling us we would be fined next time. This should be done in every neighborhood. If fines were assessed, people would start recycling, and costs would go down.
Posted by phr | July 9, 2008 2:54 PM
Posted on July 9, 2008 14:54
The increase in illegal dumping is my biggest concern. Even with the free trash pick up, we still have the problem with illegal dumping, and I fear it will only get worse when a fee is charged.
I am glad that they went to a single stream recycling program with weekly pickup, I am just wondering why it took so long.
I would like to see on the side of drink containers a PA surcharge, redemption fee like other more progressive states have.
Posted by Mark Chalupa | July 10, 2008 8:33 AM
Posted on July 10, 2008 08:33
Whoever thought of this stupid idea is out of touch with reality in Philadelphia: trash fees will only result in more illegal dumping and littering.
The focus right now should be on regular cleaning of the streets by the city and strict enforcement of illegal dumping and littering laws.
We already pay the highest wage taxes in the country - we shouldn't be saddled with fees just to get the same crappy service and attitude from the Streets Department.
Posted by Anonymous | July 10, 2008 10:29 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 22:29
I resent the statement "previously free City service" in reference to garbage collection. I believe that I and the other wage earners in my home are all paying significant wage taxes and the argument for those taxes is that they suppor city services.
NO city services are free - some taxpayer, through some tax mechanism, is paying for them.
Posted by J. Balitzky | July 16, 2008 12:09 PM
Posted on July 16, 2008 12:09
I worry about illegal dumping but I find the idea of carrying garbage to work to dispose of in a trash can there rather silly. Many poor communities in the state of PA must pay a fee or their garbage is not collected. Those same communities also pay wage taxes.
Posted by Anonymous | July 17, 2008 4:04 PM
Posted on July 17, 2008 16:04