Nappanee Trash & Recycling Fees
The Nappanee City Council is considering a change to our trash and recycling services. We want to be transparent about why the proposed change is being considered, what the changes actually are, and how the changes will be implemented.
Why are we considering the proposed changes?
The City of Nappanee currently covers the cost of trash and recycling for all of our single family households within the city’s corporate boundary. The current fee for 2025 is approximately $610,000. Since 2008, this fee has been paid using funds from our Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT). Prior to 2008, the cost was covered through the General Fund (property taxes). The reason for the shift from General Fund to EDIT was due to state legislation capping property taxes. Recent state legislation (Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA-1)), proposes further cuts to our property tax revenue. For this reason, we are looking at possible changes to how we pay for trash and recycling.
What are we considering changing?
- Current Rates and Charges: The City currently contracts with an outside service provider for trash and recycling collection and disposal. Our current contract is with Borden. It is a five year contract that started in 2024 and runs through 2028. The contract increases fees by 3% per year.
- 2025 rates the City currently pays for trash and recycling
- Trash = $13.48/month
- Recycling = $4.64/month
- Combined rate = $18.12/month
- Proposed Changes to Rates and Charges: Gradually shifting the cost of Trash and Recycling to households over a five year period, as listed below:
- 2026: Households pay $5/month
- 2027: Households pay $10/month
- 2028: Households pay $15/month
- 2029: Households pay full amount of trash and recycling
- Relief Measures: The council is considering reduced fees for seniors and low-income families.
How and when do we plan to implement the changes?
- The City will include the trash and recycling fee on a separate line on your monthly water and wastewater bill, starting in January 2026.
- The proposed Ordinance was introduced and passed by Council on November 3rd. Ordinances must be heard and voted on three times. The second reading is scheduled for November 17th and the third reading is scheduled for December 1st.
Stay Informed and Engaged
We know residents have concerns, and we strongly encourage you to engage directly with your city government:
- Visit Our Website: For the latest updates and general information, please visit the City of Nappanee website: Nappanee.IN.gov
- Contact City Hall: If you have questions or specific comments regarding the new fee structure, please reach out directly:
- Address: 300 West Lincoln Street, Nappanee, IN 46550
- Phone: 574-773-2112
- Email: info@nappanee.in.gov
- Attend Public Meetings: We encourage all residents to attend meetings to stay informed about decisions impacting our community:
- City Council Meetings: 1st & 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall
- Board of Public Works and Safety Meetings: 2nd & 4th Monday of the month at 3:30 p.m., at City Hall
- Watch Online: If you cannot attend in person, you can stream all meetings live on our official channel:
