MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphians could see an increase in their solid waste fees over the next few years.
As budget season continues for Memphis City Council, Solid Waste Director Philip Davis said the increase in bulk waste volume at the curb and increased cost for labor, equipment and services has made it necessary for the increase.
The increase in waste volume has gone from 52,000 tons in 2017 to 179,000 tons in 2022.
The proposed increase would be 38 percent total over the next three years. The first year would be a 23 percent increase, then an eight percent increase for fiscal year 2026 and a seven percent increase the year after.
Davis said crew chiefs aren't paid at a market rate, and staffing has been down since 2016 - forcing city workers to do more with less.
The fee increase has been discussed since February 2023, and the last increase was in 2020.
City Council officials asked if there were cost saving solutions and why there wasn't more maintenance done in past years, something they are hoping to hear more on as discussions advance.
Davis said another challenge was the lack of enforcement for those abusing the system, which has also contributed to their current dilemmas.