Do I have to pay the trash fee if I live in a condominium or mobile home?

The owner of participating dwelling unit or commercial unit whose name appears on the real estate tax bill for the property is responsible for the trash fee. Each dwelling or commercial unit of property with city trash service must have an assigned city-provided container or a dumpster space.  Each container or space allocation will be charged a $90 trash fee per year.

Therefore, if you live in a condominium, and your name appears on the real estate tax bill for the property, you are responsible for payment of the trash fee.  There may be cases, especially when the real estate changed hands recently, when the city Assessor’s records do not reflect the most current owner.  The current owner of the property is responsible for the fee. 

If you live in a mobile home park, it is likely that the real estate bill goes to the park management company.  Because you own the structure with an assigned trash barrel, if you choose to participate in the city’s trash service; you will be sent an invoice of $90 per barrel per year.  We advised the park management companies of the participation rules and discount application procedures.  Specifically, the management company can apply for the resident discount in a bulk application, listing all resident names, addresses and enclosing supporting documentation.

In some cases, the city collects trash from some condominiums using dumpsters, emptied by a city-hired contractor. Each such condominium association will be notified that its members can either retain private trash service or be billed at $90 per unit per year.  Individual owners, who are responsible for real estate taxes on their properties, will also be responsible for the trash fee.

Trash Fee FAQ:

1. I thought the trash fee was invalidated by the court.
2. I thought the City was going to stop collecting the trash fee.
3. I made payments last year. When will I get my refund?
4. How much interest will I earn?
5. What are my options under the new trash program?
6. Can I re-join the city trash program after I leave it?
7. When will I get the new bill?
8. Can I still get a discount?
9. The number of containers on my trash fee bill is incorrect.
10. I did not receive credit for the return of additional container(s).
11. I only received the discount on one (1) container.
12. I do not have city trash service at my property.
13. The name of the owner on the bill is incorrect.
14. Can I have the trash bill sent to a third party, who is not the primary owner?
15. The service location on the bill is incorrect.
16. The mailing address on the bill is incorrect.
17. When will my bill adjusted?
18. My payment did not show on the bill.
19. Can I pay the trash fee in full, as opposed to 4 quarterly payments?
20. Can I schedule the trash fee payment through an automated debit to my bank?
21. Can I add the trash fee payment to my bank’s existing real estate escrow account?
22. Do I have to pay the trash fee if my property is vacant?
23. Can I return any unwanted or unused containers?
24. Can I get a prorated bill if I do not reside in Springfield for the entire year?
25. Can I submit a birth certificate with my maiden name as a proof of age?
26. Do I have to pay the trash fee if I live in a condominium or mobile home?
27. Will I be billed for containers assigned to my property, even if they are missing?
28. Will this fee increase in the future?
29. Is this a permanent fee?
30. Can I deduct this fee from my taxes?
31. Who is responsible for paying the trash fee?
32. Do I have to pay if I have private trash collection?
33. Do I have to pay the fee if I rent?
34. How much is the trash fee?
35. Do seniors have to pay the full amount?
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 pay for this fee?
42. When are the bills due?
43. What happens if I pay late?
44. What happens if I don’t pay the fee?
45. Are there discounts from the fee?
46. How do I get more information?

Trash Fee:

• Trash Fee Info
• Trash Fee FAQ
• Ask a Trash Fee Question