New trash law hits Americans with $160 fee — no matter how much you throw away

Officials are thinking about a $160 yearly charge for garbage collection. The result would be homeowners across Waukesha, Wisconsin paying up an additional $49 more in 2026 to get their porches cleaned. Initial plans to ramp up garbage collection were formulated in 2024.

Mayor Shawn Reilly has welcomed the move, despite apprehension by the residents, saying that it would add an additional revenue of $1.2 million to the city coffers, and would taper the debt.

Waukesha trash fee

Residents seem unhappy with the proposed fee. Pam Ancel, a homeowner, told WITI-TV, "I think as a sudden upcharge – where all of a sudden you’re paying $160 more – then yeah, I think that’s a concern for a lot of residents."


Landlords in Waukesha have also raised concerns about the new fee. Some residents won’t be affected by the fee. The charge only applies to homeowners using the city’s garbage collection.

Homeowners using private trash services will not pay the $160 fee. Also, condo residents would be exempt as well, the Sun reported. A similar trend has been observed across cities, including San Diego, were 106 year of tradition was kept aside for increase in trash picking rates. Homeowners in San Diego are now charged $43.60 a month for three trash cans.

USA garbage fines

A three can system is installed in San Diego for trash picking: two for recycling and yard waste and one for normal waste. In Texas, there are fines for overflowing cans. The overflow fines in Fort Worth show up in water bills. Residents can get at least a $6 fine for garbage cans that are nearly overflowing. Homeowners who leave trash bags on the sidewalk near the garbage can face a $3 penalty, according to the report by The Sun.

FAQs

Q1. How much is the new Waukesha trash fee for homeowners?

Homeowners using the city’s garbage service may have to pay $160 per year.

Q2. Who will not have to pay the $160 garbage fee in Waukesha?

People using private trash services or living in condos will not pay the fee.