More on the potential city garbage collection fee

There would not be a way for homeowners to opt out of the bill. Regardless of how little trash you might generate, if you own a home, you'd be on the hook for the bill.

The city is unsure how billing would work for the program, but the most likely options are an extra assessment on water bills or the annual property tax bill.

Some critics dislike the proposal since it's not a progressive tax. I.E., those on lower incomes will pay the same as those on higher incomes. When asked if the city was considering fee exemptions for fixed-income seniors or other low-income residents, Cutler said they were looking into it. She didn't sound confident that the city could come up with an exemption that makes sense.

Earlier this week, Cutler said trash collection would not simply cease at those residences that did not pay their fees. Garbage would still get picked up. She said the city did not yet know how it would go after residents who failed to pay.

Some cities have "pay as you throw" programs, which charge residents different rates depending on how many city issued bags or cans of trash they use. The idea is to create a price incentive to discard less refuse, which saves the city on landfill costs. Cutler says the city has considered that approach, but she said she was leaning against it as it would cost more for Philadelphia to implement a per-bag fee than a flat fee.

City Council will have to approve any fee, she said. Some quick informal checking around with council members suggested it's not a slam dunk.