I thought the trash fee was invalidated by the court.

A court order on Feb. 17, 2007 required the city to stop collection of the trash fee in Fiscal Year 2007, which began July 1, 2006 and ends June 30, 2007. 

As part of the settlement with the plaintiffs in the trash fee lawsuit, the court approved the new trash fee program in Fiscal Year 2008, starting July 1, 2007. The court allowed the City to refund or credit fees, which residents had already paid for trash collection in Fiscal Year 2007. This new trash program was established by the Executive Order of the Springfield Finance Control Board.  

The trash fee will be billed and collected, at a minimum, for services through July 31, 2011.  

Trash Fee FAQ:

1. I thought the trash fee was invalidated by the court.
2. I thought the trash fee was invalidated by State legislation.
3. Is this a permanent fee?
4. How much is the trash fee?
5. Will this fee increase in the future?
6. Are there discounts from the fee?
7. When will I get the new bill?
8. When are the bills due?
9. What happens if I pay late?
10. What happens if I don’t pay the fee?
11. Why did the City take my trash bin away?
12. How can I pay for this fee?
13. Can I pay the trash fee quarterly or set up a payment plan?
14. Can I re-join the city trash program after I leave it?
15. The number of containers on my trash fee bill is incorrect.
16. I did not receive credit for the return of additional container(s).
17. I only received the discount on one (1) container.
18. I do not have city trash service at my property.
19. The name of the owner on the bill is incorrect.
20. Can I have the trash bill sent to a third party, who is not the primary owner?
21. The service location on the bill is incorrect.
22. The mailing address on the bill is incorrect.
23. When will my bill be adjusted?
24. My payment did not show on the bill.
25. Can I schedule the trash fee payment through an automated debit to my bank?
26. Can I add the trash fee payment to my bank’s existing real estate escrow account?
27. Do I have to pay the trash fee if my property is vacant?
28. Can I return any unwanted or unused containers?
29. Can I get a prorated bill?
30. Do I have to pay the trash fee if I live in a condominium or mobile home?
31. Will I be billed for containers assigned to my property, even if they are missing?
32. Can I deduct this fee from my taxes?
33. Who is responsible for paying the trash fee?
34. Do I have to pay if I have private trash collection?
35. Do I have to pay the fee if I rent?
36. How much do I pay if I have a 60-gallon container?
37. Do I have to pay for recycled items?
38. Does the fee include disposal of bulky items?
39. Will this fee change the way the trash is collected?
40. How can I report a problem with my bill?
41. How can I get more information?
42. Why did the City take my trash bin away?

Trash Fee:

• Trash Fee Info
• Trash Lien Information
• Single Stream Pilot Program
• Trash Fee FAQ
• Mayor Sarno's Message
• First Waste Reduction Action Plan (WRAP) Award Bestowed
• Ask a Trash Fee Question