Higher diesel prices lead to Wahpeton garbage fee increase

WAHPETON, N.D. — High diesel prices are finding their way into some area residents' garbage pickup fees. The City Council in Wahpeton approved a 15% surcharge on residential waste removal bills Tuesday night, Oct. 20. City officials say it is in response to their contract with Waste Management. People who pay for garbage pickup in Wahpeton can expect to be paying more on their next bill. The increase comes from a 15% surcharge for fuel, approved at Tuesday night's council meeting. A condition is baked into the city's contract with Waste Management. Wahpeton City Auditor Darcie Huwe says once diesel prices go above $4 per gallon, fuel surcharges are priced into curbside collection. With diesel prices north of $6, Waste Management's surcharge on the city of Wahpeton is 11%. A section of the document outlining Waste Management's proposed fuel surcharge for the city of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Contributed Council member Jason Goltz, who made th