MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis residents could see an increase in their solid waste fees, putting seniors and low-income households are at the center of a conversation around rising bills.
The proposed increase for solid waste would raise the solid waste portion of resident's Memphis Light, Gas and Water bills by about $6.89 per month. MLGW bills residents for the solid waste fee on behalf of the city.
However, City Council members are questioning the need for such an abrupt increase.
“To some people, this fee increase may not impact their pockets as much,” Councilwoman Michaelyn Easter-Thomas said. “But some folks you tell ‘em they’re gonna have to pay an extra 7 or 8 dollars, for some folks that’s a whole ‘nother hour worth of work.”
The operating budget increase request includes employee and property safety, hiring, improving wages, vehicle replacements, improving the strike team and several other improvements.
“They’re always coming up with something to make us have to pay, especially elderly people,” Memphian Rutha Stewart said.
If the requested increase is approved, seniors who already receive a discount on their solid waste fee will still see an increase, but it will be less than their non-senior neighbors.
“Those that are on senior discount, it’s going up from $7.50 a month, to a little bit more than $10 a month,” Director of Solid Waste Phillip Davis said.
“I’m a elderly person myself so I know different things we have to do on fixed incomes and then they comin’ up with different things to make us shorter on money,” Stewart said.
It’s an issue Councilwoman Jerri Green wants addressed.
“As we continue to do rate increases, I would ask if we can continue to make sure we have funds available for relief for residents to make these payments,” Green said.
Memphis City Council asked the solid waste department to bring them several numbers and statistics to see the need for this increase.
The fee increase was recently discussed in February 2023, with the last increase in 2020.