Trash collection fees to increase residential utility bills starting July 1

Utility bills in Newton will see an increase on July 1. The Newton City Council this past month approved a new fee schedule for solid waste and recycling collection following a new contract with Dodd’s Trash Hauling and Recycling. The increase amounts to $3.39 per month for each household in town.

Earlier this year, the city distributed requests for proposals to waste management companies, seeking bids for collections services consistent with the existing contract. Three businesses reached out to the city, including local provider Dodd’s Trash Hauling and Recycling, which was the clear favorite.

Back then it was noted a new contract would result in higher rates for residents no matter which waste management company was chosen. Currently, residents pay $15.16 per month for waste collection services. The new contract would increase that monthly rate for residential units to $18.55 per month.

Included in the new five-year contract with Dodd’s is an annual rate adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The rate covers solid waste and recycling, landfill tipping fees, recycling tipping fees, leaf bag collection and Christmas tree collection.