Philadelphia trash removal fee, option on the table again

Another effort could be underway to force Philadelphia residents to pay a fee for trash removal.

Another effort could be underway to force Philadelphia residents to pay a fee for trash removal. [audio:100224TMTRASHFEE.mp3]

A year ago, the Nutter administration suggested charging for residential trash to raise revenue.

Councilman Darrell Clarke says the city might be forced to do that to close a projected $100-million budget gap, as a last resort.

Clarke:
I think the average citizen in the city of Philadelphia thinks that should be paid for by the taxes that they already pay. Some say they are much too high. Before we get into that, I would like to see a formal proposal and, through all due diligence, feel that’s the only way to fill our budget gap. I’m not supportive of such an initiative.

Last year’s proposal suggested a five-dollar per week flat charge or an unspecified per-bag fee. The Nutter administration is still finalizing its budget plans.