ANNISTON – Anniston residents will pay $8.50 more each month for garbage service beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

The increase shifts the cost of residential bulk-item pickup from the city budget to individual customer accounts. The City of Anniston said bulk pickup will continue as part of residential waste service.

The city began covering the $8.50 monthly charge for each registered household after 121 Disposal took over residential collection in 2025. City officials said the subsidy reduced the amount charged directly to residents.

More Households Register for Service

As part of the transition, every household within the city limits had to register for garbage service.

According to the city, that process identified more than 1,600 delinquent accounts that had continued receiving service without payment. It also found more than 1,000 households that previously had no residential garbage account.

The number of registered residential households increased from approximately 5,000 in 2025 to nearly 7,000 by August 2026.

City officials said that increase created a larger financial obligation than initially expected. Anniston now projects that the bulk-pickup subsidy will cost approximately $756,000 annually.

Bulk Trash Collection Increases

Anniston also reported a significant increase in the amount of bulk material collected.

From October 2025 through August 2026, crews removed 1,056.21 tons of bulk trash during 479 loads. The program averaged approximately 44 loads and 96 tons each month.

From October through January, crews averaged 34.5 loads and 77.9 tons per month. Between April and August, the average climbed to nearly 52 loads and 121 tons.

Those figures represent increases of approximately 50% in monthly loads and 55% in monthly tonnage, according to the city.

June was the busiest month during the reporting period. Crews collected 160.10 tons of bulk material during 70 loads. February recorded the lowest monthly total at 41.25 tons.

The city said higher collection volumes require more trips, equipment use, labor, fuel and disposal capacity.

Bulk Pickup Will Continue

Beginning Oct. 1, the $8.50 cost currently paid by the city will appear on individual residential accounts.

Officials emphasized that the city is not eliminating bulk-item collection. Only the way the service is funded will change.

Residents can find collection rules and other information on Anniston’s residential garbage services page.

Customers with service questions may contact 121 Disposal at 256-251-3949 or anniston@121disposal.com.

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