The monthly charge appears as $4.62 for “Solid Waste Admin Fee” plus $0.38 sales tax. It applies to eligible residential accounts that receive city garbage collection.
Updated October 9, 2026
The Houston $5 per month trash fee is now in effect for eligible residential accounts that receive solid waste collection directly from the city.
The charge took effect on July 1, 2026 and began appearing as a separate line item on bills issued in August. Houston itemizes it as $4.62 for “Solid Waste Admin Fee” and $0.38 sales tax, for a total of $5 per month.
Until the City Council approves a change, the fee will remain $5 per month.
The $5 fee is charged to households with municipal collection
The charge applies to households that receive curbside garbage collection service from the City of Houston.
Apartments and businesses that use private collection companies do not pay this municipal fee.
Communities enrolled in the Sponsorship Program also do not receive municipal collection while their agreement is in effect: their associations contract directly with a private company to provide the service.
When a residence receives Houston collection but water service is billed by another company, the fee is included in an annual Solid Waste Management bill issued each August.
The $5 appears as two charges on the bill
The bill does not necessarily show a single $5 line item. The city breaks the charge down as:
- $4.62: Solid Waste Admin Fee.
- $0.38: associated sales tax.
- Total: $5 per month.
The new fee does not replace the existing charge for the garbage container. Customers who receive municipal collection may see both the $5 Administrative Fee and the $1.29 Container Lease Fee on their bill.
Houston allocates the fee to trucks, staff and reliability of service
Houston created the charge to provide a dedicated funding source for the solid waste system, which began operating within Houston Public Works during fiscal year 2027.
The city states that the revenues will support long-term investments in fleet, personnel and reliability of collection. Among the improvements already underway are the addition of new trucks, strengthening residential collection, and addressing pending service requests through 311.
The Solid Waste Management budget increased by approximately $25 million for fiscal year 2027, together with the creation of the new monthly fee.
Current Solid Waste Management information keeps the charge at $5 monthly unless the Houston City Council later approves a change.
An incorrect charge may be reviewed through 311
A bill that appears to have the fee in error can request a review through Houston 311.
The number is 311 within Houston or 713-837-0311. The city recommends having available the address where the service is provided and, when possible, the utility account information.
The same system handles requests related to missed collections, container repairs and other solid waste service issues.
The W.A.T.E.R. Fund can help eligible customers
Financial assistance may be available for certain seniors, low-income households, and residents with disabilities.
Houston allows the assistance to be applied to the utility bill, including potable water charges, wastewater charges, and the solid waste administrative fee. Eligibility and fund availability depend on the program rules.
Related: Houston will provide help paying the new trash fee: who qualifies
Inquiries about assistance or about the solid waste charge are also handled via 311 or 713-837-0311.
The current administrative fee remains $5 per month and any future modification requires approval by the Houston City Council.
