The published trash fee schedule rises from $5 to $25 per month by FY32. Meanwhile, only 2 of Houston's 5 transfer stations are operational — Mayor Whitmire confirmed it on May 5.
Valid Skepticism
The key facts
$5 → $25
Monthly fee escalation across FY27–FY32 (disclosed by Mayor's COO at Greater Houston Partnership)
2 of 5
Transfer stations operational. Trucks north of I-10 drive 60–90 min to reach one.
$40
Total monthly per the City's own study at full cost — trash fee $35 + clean city fee $4 (Hollins)
47,000
HOA households that keep getting the $6/mo subsidy alongside the new $5 fee on city-served households
What this means for your household
If you get city trash service: the new fee is $60 in year one, climbing to $300/year by FY32. Annual cost matters more than the monthly number.
If you live in an HOA with private pickup: you continue to receive the $6/month subsidy (~$72/yr) while your neighbors on city service pay the fee.
The City's own consultant says the actual cost of service today is $27/month, climbing toward $39/month by FY31. The $5 starting fee is below cost — and the fee will rise.
Council Member Salinas has filed a letter asking for senior, low-income, and disabled-veteran discounts. None are in the current proposal.
“
If you're tracking at home — you'll have a garbage fee of over $35 and a clean city fee of $4. So, together you're paying about $40, according to this study. Now, why are we lying about that?
— Controller Chris Hollins, on the City's own Burns & McDonnell study (ABC13, May 9, 2026)
What you can do
1
Find out which side you're on
Check your trash service: are you a City customer or HOA/private? Your bill impact and your political voice are different in each case.
2
Ask council to write the $25 cap into the ordinance
The administration has said $25 verbally. The current ordinance does not bind future councils. The ordinance text on June 10 is what counts.
3
Push for means-tested discounts
CM Salinas's letter is the template. Senior, low-income, and disabled-veteran exemptions should be in the final ordinance — not added later.
Sources: GHP “Future of Texas” event (May 5); ABC13 May 9; Houston Press May 13; Burns & McDonnell SWD Cost of Service Study (May 4); Public Works workshop (May 13).