SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Public Works - Sanitation
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Districts
Adopt the attached fee schedule for the Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) for Residential and Commercial Collection and Disposal, and Landfill, Transfer Station, and Crematory Tipping Fees
Body
Information Contact: Eugene McKinnie, Sanitation Division Director
Phone Number: 404.294.2177
PURPOSE:
Seek approval for DSWM’s proposed Fees for 2026 through 2035 for the following:
• Residential MSW Collection and Disposal effective from 2026,
• Commercial MSW Collection and Disposal effective on the date of July 15th, 2026,
• Landfill, Transfer Station, and Crematory Tipping Fees effective on the date of July 15th, 2026,
• Funding compost feasibility study and residential collection pilot program, and
• Fee increase freeze for the cities of Avondale Estates, Chamblee, and Decatur for 2026. Rate increase for each of these cities to be implemented in 2027. Further rate implementation will be based on cities waste reduction program success.
NEED/IMPACT:
These increases in fees are needed to maintain DSWM services along with providing funds for CIP (Capital Improvement Projects); provide sufficient debt service coverage in accordance with the Fixed Charges Coverage Ratio Covenant and anticipated future bond covenants; and establish an unrestricted cash reserve. Additionally, the increase is needed to maintain operations and enable the department to return to operating a self-sustaining enterprise fund.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The department's comprehensive solid waste management operation requires the additional funds for salaries, increased fuel costs, purchase/maintenance of equipment and investment in capital projects. Proposed fees will provide total working capital of approximately $522M to the DSWM until 2035.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the attached fee increases effective 2026 and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents. The DSWM Fee Tables attached.