Jill Schramm/MDN A trash cart awaits pickup in Minot Monday, March 2. The city is encouraging people to get second carts, rather than overfill, by reducing the fee.

Minot garbage customers are being asked to consider upsizing or adding a second trash cart rather than overfilling their containers.

To encourage people to request an additional cart, the Minot City Council approved a resolution on Monday, March 2, that makes doing so more affordable by charging a flat monthly rate of $10 to customers who add a second cart of any size. Currently, second carts range from $15-$20, depending on size.

In a memo to the council, Public Works Utilities Director Jason Sorenson wrote that some residents find it cost prohibitive to add a second cart. Consequently, they keep a single cart, and it overflows, leading to excess trash falling out and being left behind. Attempts to empty the cart with the lid propped open also can lead to damage to the lids or damage to the camera in the truck hopper.

“The trash fee is a proposal to encourage residents to have adequate trash space to minimize trash not getting collected or damages to trucks and carts,” Sorenson said in his memo.

Residents continue to have the ability to swap their carts for different sizes once per calendar year at no charge. The fee difference between cart sizes is $2.50 a month.

Water Department fees also are changing to stay in line with costs the city is incurring. Sorenson said the fees impact new construction, so contractors would be affected. Residents generally should see no change. The city charges various fees for meters, parts, service tapping and other activities.

The fee changes are occurring at this time rather than at the start of the new budget year in January because the city only recently was notified of price changes from suppliers on water and sewer parts.

The trash cart and water utility changes will take effect April 1.