Big savings for small carts: Garbage rate changes in 2026
Changes are coming to Bloomington’s garbage rates in 2026. The pay-as-you-throw system will remain, but price differences between cart sizes will widen so smaller carts cost less. These changes, guided by a rate study and resident input, will encourage waste reduction and help keep services affordable overtime as garbage disposal costs continue to increase significantly faster than recycling and composting. For households that create very little trash, there’s even better news: a new, lower-cost every-other-week pickup option will be available for the smallest cart size.
The City Council approved the new rates after the October budget review and a November 17 public hearing. Learn more about the rate changes at letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/pay-as-you-throw.
2026 Solid Waste Rates
The rates below include the State Solid Waste Tax and Hennepin County Solid Waste Management Fee.
| Cart Size and Service Level | 2025 Monthly Cost | 2026 Monthly Cost |
| New! 35 Gallon (Every-Other-Week) | Service not available | $9.93 |
| 35 Gallon (Weekly) | $14.06 | $13.24 |
| 65 Gallon (Weekly) | $18.99 | $23.17 |
| 95 Gallon (Weekly) | $23.90 | $33.11 |
What this means for you:
- Downsizing pays off: Switching from a 95-gallon to a 65-gallon cart, or 65-gallonto 35-gallon cart could save you nearly $10 per month in 2026.
- Smaller carts, bigger savings: Opting for the smallest cart size collected every-other-week rather than weekly will save you 30% compared to 2025 rates.
- Staying the course costs more: Keeping a 95-gallon cart will cost about 32% more than it would under the former rate structure.
How to Use Extra Bags Smartly
Thinking about downsizing your garbage cart, but worried about those times of year when you have extra trash—like holidays, parties, or big clean-ups?
In 2026, you’ll be able to set out extra bags of garbage next to your cart for $6.24 per bag (including taxes). This fee helps cover the additional time it takes drivers to collect extra bags beyond your regular cart service.
Downsizing your cart and setting out extra bags occasionally still adds up to big savings:
- In 2026, the annual cost difference between a small and a medium cart (including taxes) is $113.16 ( $9.43 per month).
- At $6.24 per extra bag, that savings is equal to about 18 extra bags per year.
In other words, a household with a small garbage cart could set out a little more than one extra bag per month and still pay less overall than they would for a medium cart all year. For many residents who usually have a modest amount of trash and only occasionally need extra space, choosing a smaller cart and using extra bags once in a while can be a smart way to save money.
Strategies to reduce waste and save money
Looking to cut your waste, and your bill?
- Downsize carts if they’re rarely full. Have extra trash occasionally? You can set out an extra bag for $6.24, including taxes.
- Choose every-other-week service if weekly pickup isn’t needed. This is a great option for households who compost because the stinky items are still collected weekly in organics.
- Save on taxes by recycling and composting more. Garbage is taxed 25.25% by the State and County. There is no tax on recycling or composting.
- Increase your recycling service. There is no additional cost to request a larger 95-gallon recycling cart or get a second recycling cart.
- Start composting. About 30% of household garbage is compostable. All households are charged for access to organics recycling. If you aren’t composting yet, it is an easy way to reduce your garbage. Sign up at blm.mn/organics.
