In March 2017, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved changes to how it collects solid waste fees for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection, as well as from whom it is collected. The current solid waste fee is $240 per year, which is billed at $60 every three months.

Homeowners that meet national poverty standards can apply for an exemption from paying these fees. In order to find out if a homeowner qualifies, they must fill out and submit a form to the Solid Waste Department by July 3, 2017.A letter and the form is being made available to people with questions or concerns about their bills, and it will be available for download from the Solid Waste website. (Click on the “Fee Exemption Form” link on the left side.)

The change in billing means homeowners will pay their fee with the annual property tax billing instead of every three months. Also, it will keep property owners from going through the process of turning service on and off; instead, every property with a residential structure on it (whether occupied or vacant) will receive a bill. This change was made to make it easier for property owners to receive services and for more accurate collection of both solid waste (garbage, recycling, and yard waste) and the fees.