Reading residents will see a slight increase in trash and recycling removal fees next year.
City Council at its regular meeting Monday voted to increase the annual solid waste collection fee for next year to $273.03 from $265.08 per residential unit.
Officials said the increase of less than $8 for the year reflects the scheduled price escalation in the city’s five-year contract for waste removal.
Council approved the contract with BFI Waste Services, doing business as Republic Services, Ontelaunee Township, in December 2021, effective 2022 through 2026.
The contract allows the hauler to make an increase in fees of no more than 3% per year.
The total combined annual cost for trash, recycling and Clean City services will rise to $395.91, or about $32.99 per month, from the current $360.66.
Services such as curbside weekly tire pickup, electronics pickup, yard waste collection and seasonal leaf pickup also are covered by the fees.
The city offers a 50% discount on monthly waste collection fees for qualifying seniors. To be eligible, seniors must be 65 or older, own and live in a single-family home and have a total household income below $30,087.
For more information or to apply for the discount, visit the city’s public works website at www.readingpa.gov/trash-recycling-senior-discount#.