Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Garbage collection rates in Foley will soon increase, as city officials say this change is necessary to cover rising costs. The City Council has approved a small increase in sanitation fees for both residential and business properties. Leaders state that the goal is to keep current service levels throughout the city. The rate adjustment impacts both residential garbage cans and commercial dumpsters.

The new rates will go into effect on April 1, 2026, for residential customers. City officials said the last increase in residential sanitation rates occurred in 2019. Since then, the cost of waste collection and disposal has increased.

Under the new plan, the cost of the first garbage can at a home will increase by $3.25 each month, bringing the total to $23. If a residence has a second garbage can, the fee for that can remains at $16 per month. The monthly fee includes weekly pickup of garbage, recycling, yard debris, and bulk items for residents.

Commercial customers will also face higher bills under the new schedule. Dumpster collection rates will go up by 50 cents per cubic yard for each pickup. City officials said the new commercial rates will take effect on April 1.

The City Council approved the rate increase in February after reviewing rising sanitation expenses. City leaders said the change will support fair and equal waste collection services throughout Foley. Officials described the rise as modest and intended to cover inflation, not to expand services.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city is working to balance costs while maintaining sanitation services at the level residents expect. “We want to uphold the quality that the city expects for these services, but we’ve all experienced very inflationary times over the last six years,” Hellmich said. “This change in price doesn’t account for all of that inflation, but it captures some of it, and so it is adjusted to what keeps us whole and able to provide the service without making a profit.”

City officials said they appreciate residents’ understanding while Foley manages sanitation costs. They noted that the adjustment is meant to ensure the garbage system remains reliable for both homes and businesses.