Author
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Burqueños dropping off trash at city convenience centers will soon need proof of residency or face more than double the residential rate.
During its Aug. 3 meeting, the Albuquerque City Council voted 8-1 for an ordinance to raise the solid waste disposal fee at city convenience centers from $5 to $12 per load for residents and businesses outside city limits. Councilor Dan Lewis cast the lone dissenting vote but did not explain his reasoning. About 42% of convenience center users live outside the city, according to Solid Waste Management Director William Gallegos, who expects the higher fee to generate about $1.1 million in annual revenue.
Cashiers will start checking residency documents at all city convenience centers five days after the law is officially published. City residents will continue to pay $5 if they present a valid government-issued ID card or a utility bill dated within the past 60 days. Anyone who cannot show proof of residency at the gate will automatically pay the $12 out-of-city rate, with no immediate refund. The new rules also bar vehicles rated to carry 2 tons or more from using the centers, and the city will charge out-of-city users an additional $12 for uncovered or unsecured loads.