Toledo looks to increase garbage fees, increase bulk pickups
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) — Toledo residents might see an increase on their water bills next year, but this change won’t have anything to do with water.
That’s because the city is looking to increase garbage and recycling collection fees in 2026. The I-TEAM also learned that the increase will come with something lots of people have asked for.
The current garbage contract with Republic Services is up next year. City leaders are down to two companies in that negotiation. The fee increases are part of all that, but so too are changes to the bulk pickups.
City leaders said the cost associated with collection has gone up. Fees for collection are the same as they were in 2016. That was the first year Toledo went to privatized garbage collection.
In the city’s proposal, most households will see an increase from $11.50 monthly to $18.50. Properties with a homestead exemption will see an increase from $6.50 to $10.50 monthly. According to the city, that’s being done to generate an additional $5.3 million to cover the cost of curbside collection and disposal costs at the city’s Hoffman Road landfill.
“It is concerning, we understand that. One thing we are providing is additional services. We always want to make sure we’re providing additional services when residents do see an increase in their fees,” said Megan Robson, the city of Toledo’s director of Public Service.
Two specific things would come with those fee increases. One is a permanent recycling center for things like mattresses, electronics and yard waste.
The second would be a major new change to bulk garbage pickup. City leaders are negotiating with two companies for the city’s new garbage contract.
Each has agreed to give every resident a bulky pickup each week on their garbage day. No more calling in.
“In 2026, our residents will see a weekly bulk collection with no call-in that they will have to do. It’ll just be a part of our normal refuse collection,” said Robson.
The trash fee increase will need to be approved by the Toledo City Council as part of the 2026 budget. Its first public meeting on the budget happens Tuesday afternoon.
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