SOME Americans could be charged an extra fee for issues with their trash bins, but they’ll find it marked on water bills.
The surcharge comes amid a city-wide crackdown on a common move from some residents that’s become costly.
Some Americans may find a small fee on their water bills (stock image)[/caption]
The charge comes from a trash bin violation[/caption]
In January 2024, the city of Fort Worth, Texas, started fining any residents that left garbage bins overflowing in residential areas or who had any loose trash bags on street curbs, per ABC affiliate WFAA.
Since then, and continuing into 2025, violators are fined at least $6 for those trash bins too full to close and $3 for every trash bag left outside of the bin.
These fees are enforced through the violating household’s water bills.
The fine from Fort Worth was implemented because it has to pay garbage collecting contractors, such as Waste Management and Knight Waste Services, a fee for overloaded bins or loose bags.
In the past, the city has taken on that cost on behalf of residents, but it does not anymore.
This is in part because as the city continues to grow, costs continue to increase.
Christian Harper, a Fort Worth contract services administrator for solid waste, said that passing on the fees to residents since 2024 helps ensure the solid waste fund is solvent and promotes a clean environment.
“The goal is not to have a revenue stream,” he told WFAA.
“The goal is to offset our costs with waste management and, ultimately, get everybody rightsized … and following the rules and ordinances.”
“Even a small number of people having overloaded carts or putting bags outside the cart tends to slow the system down,” Harper continued.
“That also adds a cost.”
CAMERA CATCH
Garbage collecting contractors in Fort Worth also have cameras attached to trucks now to detect violations.
Once documented, they’re forwarded to the city, and experts determine whether or not a fine should be issued.
Residents can also appeal to a fine in municipal court, but Harper said he expects the pictures to resolve most of the disputes.
Even a small number of people having overloaded carts or putting bags outside the cart tends to slow the system down.
Christian Harper
“It basically turns everything that’s subjective in the world of trash to being objective,” he argued.
“Pictures say 1,000 words.”
NUMBER CONFIRMATION
Still, complicated situations can arise, such as when two residents place their garbage bins closely together.
To determine which is which, the city looks to serial numbers on the side of the bins.
Fort Worth residents already pay monthly fees to have garbage bins, with a 32-gallon option at over $12, 64-gallon at $17.50, and 96-gallon at $22.75.
While these prices may vary, with the violations, some Fort Worth residents could pay over $30 in one month for trash.
Americans should also remain aware of other new laws and fees.
In July, Virginia banned a common item and issued $50 daily fines for those food establishments that continue to use it.
Walmart, Costco, and Target are among several retailers that are now earmarked for instant $80 fines under a new shopping cart law.
