July 11, 2002 - The City of Houston is implementing a new program, the Add-A-Can program, where residents will have the opportunity of having a second or third can serviced for a fee. The program will begin in the fall.
On June 19, 2002, Houston's City Council approved an ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 39 of the Houston Code of Ordinances, approving and authorizing the creation of an Extra Capacity Collection Fee (ECC) for the Solid Waste Management Department.
"Federal and state policy encourages measures designed to reduce total waste volume. In Texas, the TNRCC encourages 'pay as you throw' fee structures for solid waste collection. Where cities charge for solid waste services, a common waste reduction strategy is to charge a base rate for a relatively small volume and higher rates for higher volumes. The proposed fee supports the goal of overall waste reduction," says Solid Waste Management (SWMD) Director Thomas Buchanan. Buchanan emphasizes, "The extra capacity fee is only for those who exceed the 90-gallon volume per week."
Residents will have their first 90-gallon serviced free-of-charge. The fee for servicing each additional container (maximum of 3 total) will be $7.50 per month for a minimum subscription of one (1) year. This fee will be added to the citizen's monthly water bill upon request of the service.
Citizens who already have an extra can, and wish to continue to have it collected will need to request a sticker for it. Solid Waste Management Department crews will continue to service extra cans identified with stickers. Extra cans that do not have stickers by October 1, 2002 will not be serviced and will be retrieved by SWMD crews. Citizens will be notified of the Extra Capacity ("Add-A-Can" program) through their July/August water bills, as well as through various media outlets. Additionally, letters will be sent to Houston area civic associations and Super Neighborhood Councils.
The Solid Waste Management Department provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally-sound and cost-effective.
