Can I still get a discount?

25% discount from the trash fee will again be available for any owner-occupied primary residence where an owner is 65 years or older, a veteran with service-connected disability, a blind individual or indigent person whose gross household income is below the current level federal poverty line.  The city will require appropriate supporting documentation to accompany any discount request.

If you have applied for senior, blind or veteran discount in the past and still own your home, you do not need to re-apply, unless the property changed hands.  The new owner must apply for the discount independently.  If you have sent your application for discount recently, the city may not be able to process it by the first bill mailing date, and you would not see your discount, if approved, until the next quarterly bill. 

If your application for discount was denied, or if you have a request that is not addressed by the current rules and regulations, you can write to the Trash Fee Review Board, DPW, 70 Tapley Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

Trash Fee FAQ:

1. Do I have to pay for recycling?
2. What if I have too many recyclables to fit in the small blue bin?
3. Can I re-join the city trash program after I leave it?
4. When will I get the new bill?
5. Can I still get a discount?
6. The number of containers on my trash fee bill is incorrect.
7. I did not receive credit for the return of additional container(s).
8. I only received the discount on one (1) container.
9. I do not have city trash service at my property.
10. The name of the owner on the bill is incorrect.
11. Can I have the trash bill sent to a third party, who is not the primary owner?
12. The service location on the bill is incorrect.
13. The mailing address on the bill is incorrect.
14. When will my bill adjusted?
15. My payment did not show on the bill.
16. Can I schedule the trash fee payment through an automated debit to my bank?
17. Can I add the trash fee payment to my bank’s existing real estate escrow account?
18. Do I have to pay the trash fee if my property is vacant?
19. Can I return any unwanted or unused containers?
20. Can I get a prorated bill if I do not reside in Springfield for the entire year?
21. Can I submit a birth certificate with my maiden name as a proof of age?
22. Do I have to pay the trash fee if I live in a condominium or mobile home?
23. Will I be billed for containers assigned to my property, even if they are missing?
24. Will this fee increase in the future?
25. Can I deduct this fee from my taxes?
26. Who is responsible for paying the trash fee?
27. Do I have to pay if I have private trash collection?
28. Do I have to pay the fee if I rent?
29. How much is the trash fee?
30. Do seniors have to pay the full amount?
31. How much do I pay if I have a 60-gallon container?
32. Do I have to pay for recycled items?
33. Does the fee include disposal of bulky items?
34. Will this fee change the way the trash is collected?
35. How can I report a problem with my bill?
36. How can I pay for this fee?
37. When are the bills due?
38. What happens if I pay late?
39. Are there discounts from the fee?
40. How do I get more information?

Trash Fee:

• Trash Fee Info
• Single Stream Pilot Program
• Trash Fee FAQ
• Mayor Sarno's Message
• First Waste Reduction Action Plan (WRAP) Award Bestowed
• Ask a Trash Fee Question