New Braunfels residents may see a modest increase in their monthly solid‑waste bill this spring. City Council is reviewing a proposal to raise the combined garbage‑and‑recycling rate from the current $17.66 to a flat $20 per month, effective April 1. The plan also includes a $2 annual increase each fiscal year through FY 2031, which would add roughly $2.34 to each household’s monthly payment and $28.08 to the yearly total, according to a presentation given at the Oct. 12 council meeting.
Why the increase is being considered
Assistant City Manager Jared Werner explained that the city’s solid‑waste operation has encountered several financial pressures in recent years. In 2022, a shift of multifamily tenants from residential to commercial classification removed about $300,000 in revenue. At the same time, the recycling program, once a $200,000 annual source of income, now costs the city roughly $275,000 each year.
Vehicle expenses have also risen sharply. The average cost of a solid‑waste truck has climbed about 44 % between 2019 and 2026, driven by inflation and supply‑chain factors. Werner said the city anticipates spending $3 million annually on vehicle replacements over the next five years.
Cost‑saving measures already underway
To offset these challenges, the city has adopted several efficiency initiatives. Routeware technology has been deployed to streamline driver routes and cut training time. Recycling and green‑waste collections were changed from weekly to bi‑weekly service, eliminating five full‑time positions and generating recurring savings.
The opening of WM’s Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility in 2025 further reduced expenses by improving route efficiency. Previously, recycling trucks had to travel to material‑recovery facilities in San Antonio multiple times per day, a costly practice that the new facility now mitigates.
Next steps for the rate change
City staff will present a final recommendation on the rate structure at a council meeting on Nov. 16. A public hearing and first reading of the proposed ordinance are scheduled for Dec. 14, with a second and final reading set for Jan. 11. Council members will consider the amendment and decide whether to adopt the new flat rate and the scheduled annual increases.
Werner emphasized that the proposed adjustment is intended to preserve the city’s solid‑waste fund balance while maintaining essential services for residents. “When we do get to a recommendation of an updated rate, we do plan on combining the rates,” he said, noting that the current ordinance separates garbage and recycling fees.
What this means for households
For most homeowners, the change translates to an extra $2.34 per month on their trash and recycling bill. While any increase can be unwelcome, the city argues that the modest rise is necessary to sustain reliable waste collection, recycling programs, and the upkeep of the fleet that serves New Braunfels neighborhoods.
Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at the Dec. 14 public hearing. The council’s decision will shape the city’s solid‑waste financing strategy for the next several years, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted despite the fiscal headwinds.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
