City Raises Dumpster Rates Starting May 1

The City of Olney will raise its monthly rates for commercial dumpster services beginning May 1 to cover the rising costs of waste collection and disposal, following a unanimous vote by the City Council at its April 14 meeting.

The rate increases apply only to commercial and out-of-city-limit dumpster customers, not to residential poly cart users. City officials emphasized that no residential customers will see an increase, and in fact, some housing units will see a slight decrease in rates.

City Administrator Simon Dwyer and City Secretary Tammy Hourigan said the new pricing structure reflects what the city is being charged by its waste collection provider, Waste Connections, and is necessary to keep the service sustainable. The City loses about $4,500 per month on commercial dumpster service because it has been underbilling, he said.

Here are the key changes: A two-yard dumpster picked up once a week will rise from $47 to $54 A three-yard dumpster picked up once a week will increase from $60 to $65 A three-yard dumpster picked up twice a week will go from $70 to $99 A six-yard dumpster picked up once a week will rise from $70 to $129 A six-yard dumpster picked up twice a week will increase from $139 to $198 The new rates will appear on customers’ June bills. Letters outlining the rate changes will be sent to affected businesses and out-of-town customers by the end of this week.

Mayor Rue Rogers said the city aimed to be transparent and proactive by notifying customers ahead of time. “We’ve been losing significantly,” he said. “Any business owner would be doing the exact same thing— there’s just no way to continue operating at a loss.”

In a related update, Hourigan clarified that residential housing units with shared dumpsters— such as those run by the housing authority—will see a monthly decrease from $23 to $18.92.

Council members approved an amendment to the city ordinance to reflect the new rates and stressed that questions about the changes can be directed to City Hall or members of the City Council.