Under the city's new pay-as-you-throw system that goes into effect in the summer, residents will pay for once-a-week trash collection based on the size of the garbage cart they select from the city: $8, $13 or $18 for a 32-, 64- or 96-gallon cart.
The fee will replace the current flat rate most households now pay of about $13.75 a month, for twice-a-week collection of garbage that is enclosed in plastic bags.
"This gives us the economic incentive to reduce waste," City Councilman Jeff Wentworth said, after recommending that his colleagues approve the new rates.
"Projections show 63 percent of households will have a reduction in their bills."
Officials say the new system will encourage recycling.
"With this, people can control how much they spend each month," Assistant City Manager Libby Watson said. "You can set [rates] high to encourage folks to recycle more.
"The greater the difference between the rates, the greater the recycling," she said. "And it allows larger carts ... for those who absolutely refuse to take part in recycling."
Fort Worth residents now recycle about 6 percent of household trash, far below the statewide goal of 40 percent.
The city's recycling goal for the first year of the new program is 20 percent, said Dot Kent, public education specialist for the city's Environmental Management Department.
There is no charge for picking up recyclable materials, Kent said.
The council could officially vote on setting the rates as soon as next Tuesday.
No matter what the cost, Ted Cue isn't looking forward to the carts.
The 84-year-old longtime resident said he has been thinking of moving out of Fort Worth, and this may be the last straw.
"I've tried to be a part of this city for a long time, but I'm really upset about this," said Cue, who built a house in the Riverside area with his wife, Odessa, 52 years ago. "Where this has been done before, stuff gets inside the carts, flies get inside, it's a big mess, and it doesn't work.
"The carts get dirty, they're cumbersome, and it's just a mess," he said. "I love this town and it hurts me to see something I don't think is right."
During February or March, each household will receive a 64-gallon cart for recyclable items. As of March 31, those new recycling carts will replace the current green bins, Kent said.
In the following months, residents will choose a 32-, 64- or 96-gallon cart for their trash, which will be delivered in May or June. Those trash carts will replace garbage in plastic bags starting June 30, Kent said.
City officials say they expect the majority of residents to use the 64-gallon cart. And the $13 rate would still save those households 75 cents a month.
About 8,000 Fort Worth households have been using the cart system in a pilot program for about four years. – (Fort Worth) Star Telegram