As part of an agreement with AMWASTE, the Pelham City Council has voted in favor of increasing trash collection fees for residents beginning in February 2025. The 4.6% increase will add roughly 64 cents per month to collection fees.

The waste services corporation has a standing agreement with the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority which consists of approximately seven Central Alabama cities including Pelham. Per the understanding,  the collection rate must be increased by 5% annually.

City leadership explained to WBRC6 why the rate hike is necessary.

“I believe most residents—while they may not want an increase—understand the cost of labor, the cost of gas. So, with all things, I think they’re understanding, and we’ve been able to minimize that cost,” said Pelham City Council President Maurice Mercer. “This year we decided to split a portion, and so that portion of the two and a half percent equals 64 cents. So 64 cents will be added to the garbage rate in February, and that will bring it to just above $26 for the pickup.”

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Gretchen DiFante, Pelham’s city manager, also pointed to a rise in rates across the board as the foremost reason for the hike.

“Prices are up in every aspect of operations for every business and Amwaste is no different. Right now they are doing an excellent job and we want this to be successful, so it’s important for us to really weigh our budget and what can the city pay and what we need to pass.”

Last year, Pelham was able to absorb the 5% raise sparing its residents from an increase in their monthly bills.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten