Dive Brief:

• The Superior, WI City Council rejected a $9.75 monthly garbage collection fee after residents voiced stiff opposition Tuesday night. The city currently pays for collection through property taxes. 
• Mayor Bruce Hagen had proposed the fee to address the concerning financial problems at Moccasin Mike Landfill, which is expected to face a deficit of more than $7 million by 2023. The fee would cover operating expenses and build up a reserve, which the city said would be sufficient to close the landfill in 2022 and cover long-term monitoring and maintenance. The city is required to monitor the landfill for 40 years after it is capped and closed.
• The landfill has been subsidized by $1 million a year out of the city's general fund. City officials have considered privatizing garbage collection. However, a contract with Waste Management would cost residents $11.25 per month for service and eliminate city jobs for garbage collectors.

Dive Insight:

Superior's landfill is running a deficit and the money needs to come from somewhere, but residents have made it clear that they will not pay up. 

While they may be stubborn about paying a separate fee, neighbors in Duluth, MN pay $43 a month for one of two private services.

The city would need to consider the consequences of privatized garbage collection — such as the loss of jobs or extra services like free landfill day — before proposing any plans.