If stickers are eliminated, property taxes will have to make up for the lost money. The trash sticker program is unpopular because people don't like the hassle of buying them. This is a minor nuisance that is not necessary. Annual trash can decals are available through the mail so residents should also be able to order and pay for the stickers through the monthly utility bill. The sticker program treats trash pickup like a utility.
Users pays a fee that is proportional to their use.
It makes sense. The City Council should increase the fees and work to find a way to include the cost in the utility bills. An increase won't hurt the poor who already get free stickers from the city. Though not perfect, the stickers encourage people to take responsibility for their trash while simultaneously reducing the need for increased property taxes to pay for higher refuse collection costs.