Houston’s new $5 monthly solid waste administration fee hit most residents’ water bills in September.
Here’s what it costs, what it raises, and what a city-commissioned study says about service gaps.
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What it is: Houston’s new solid waste administration fee is $5 a month for most residents, according to Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi.
When you’ll see it: The fee is expected to appear for most Houstonians starting with their September water bill, Macchi said.
What the city says it raises vs. costs: Macchi said the fee will generate about $25 million annually, while the solid waste operation costs about $137 million annually.
What a city-commissioned study projects: A Burns & McDonnell cost-of-service study dated May 4, 2026, states the true total monthly cost of solid waste services is $27.28 per household — described as a $24.72 residential solid waste fee plus a $2.56 Clean City fee.
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What the study says about service gaps: The study says the department averages collection rates of 85% for residential garbage and 65% for recycling and heavy trash, and says reaching an “industry-standard” 99% collection rate would require more staffing and vehicles, including 114 additional weekly routes.
