What happens if I pay late?

If you decide to participate in the city’s trash service, starting with the second quarterly billing, fees not paid by the due date will incur late charges and interest.  Interest is calculated at twelve percent (12%) annually.  The fee and late charges and interest shall become a municipal charge against the owner of every dwelling unit and commercial unit which receives solid waste collection services from the city and which has not received an exemption from the fee.  Late payment of the fee will not interfere with the trash pickup.

It is important to remember that your dispute of the fee does not stop the fee collection process.  Until your application for discount is approved, you owe the charges billed to you by the city.  After such approval, your balance will be adjusted.  In order to avoid any additional charges, it is in your financial interest to pay any charges first, as they become due, and then resolve any dispute about the invoice with the city.

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