New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1

The big picture: Residential customers now pay $32.25 per month instead of $24, an increase of $99 per year.

• The fee covers once-weekly garbage and recycling pickup.
• All residents can get a second garbage cart for free by calling 311.
• Low-income residents 65 and older may qualify for a reduced $10 monthly rate, officials say. Apply through the Sewerage and Water Board's website.

Catch up quick: Mayor Helena Moreno asked for the sanitation rate hike, and the City Council voted 6-1 to approve it.

• Councilmember Jason Hughes voted against the measure, citing opposition from constituents.
• The previous monthly rate hasn't covered the cost of service for years, administration officials told the City Council.
• The city has spent nearly $70 million since 2022 to cover the difference.

Zoom in: New Orleans' sanitation costs are higher in large part because the city requires its contractors to pay a living wage, Council President JP Morrell says.

• The council passed the living wage ordinance in 2015.
• Sanitation workers in New Orleans make at least $16 an hour versus the $7.25 federal minimum wage in Baton Rouge, he says.
• "We, as a city that promotes fair wages for people, we have to put our money where our mouth is," Morrell previously said.

Intrigue: The amount of trash hasn't changed much since the city switched from twice-weekly to once-a-week pickup, sanitation director Matt Torri previously said.

• The second pickup day was always the lighter day, he said.

What we're watching: Officials say they would be open to revisiting the mix of services if that's what residents want.

• Curbside recycling costs the city $10 million annually, Morrell says.
• The rates are now tied to the cost of service and will be re-evaluated every other January.
• The city is also working to make sure bills are accurate and everyone pays their fair share.

Go deeper: What Jefferson Parish residents pay