AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Resource Recovery says it will resume charging residential customers for extra trash at the curb beginning next week.
Austin City Council voted on August 27 to end the fee waiver effective Monday, September 7. At that point, customers will need to purchase excess garbage stickers from local grocery stores for $4 each plus tax, or they'll be charged $9.60 per bag plus tax for bags placed outside trash carts without the stickers.
"Due to unprecedented changes brought about by COVID-19 earlier this year, we understood most households would be generating extra trash," said Austin Resource Recovery Director Ken Snipes. "We hope this effort has provided relief for our customers during these uncertain times."
City officials say extra recycling items are collected at no additional charge, and can be placed in a cardboard box or other reusable container next to the trash cart at the curb.
In addition, the city's Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will open for appointment only services. The center accepts hard to recycle items such as Styrofoam and plastic film, as well as household hazardous waste. Residents are asked to call 512-974-4343 to schedule a drop-off appointment.
Residents can also take advantage of the city's Clothing & Housewares Curbside Collection Program, which allows customers to schedule free at-home pick-up of unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, linens, and housewares. For more details, visit www.austintexas.gov/clothing or call 512-637-7190 to schedule a clothing and housewares pick-up.