You know the saying, some things are inevitable. Trash trucks pick up garbage, bulk items, and recyclables. The trucks use fuel. Fuel prices have risen quickly, about 33% in the last fiscal year.
 
Inevitably, city management presented the case to the Council at its last work session that rates for Environmental Waste Services need to increase. The choice was sooner at a lower rate or later at a higher rate.
 
The rates proposed, effective Aug 1, are:

• Residential — Increase of $1.84 a month for a total monthly rate of $18.09
• Commercial — Increase 10%
• Landfill Gate Rate — Increase of $5 for a total rate of $35 per ton

Because we have state-of-the-art facilities and a great deal of capacity, Garland's rates are already higher than several other Metroplex cities. Other cities are likely to see significant increases in their disposal costs in the coming years as their capacity runs out and the cost of new landfills are repaid. Meanwhile, Garland will be well positioned and able to avoid that situation for many years.
 
Another factor where Garland compares differently than most of these cities is our weekly collection of brush and bulky items, which contributes significantly to the cleanness of the city, an aesthetic and health benefit.
 
In the chart below, Garland's position compared to other sizeable Metroplex cities shows the increase would move us ahead of Irving. It is important to note that these other cities are confronted with these same fuel cost increases and their rates are likely to climb soon, too.
 

Residential Solid Waste Rates

 
The increase has not been approved. A public hearing on these rates will be held during the regular Council meeting on July 15.