MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS UPDATE | Anoka Voters to Decide Republic Services Trash-Collection Contract in November

ANOKA, MN (August 27, 2026) Anoka voters will decide November 3 whether the city may implement an organized residential trash-collection system through a contract with Republic Services.

The ballot question follows a 3-2 City Council vote July 20 approving the contract contingent upon support from a majority of voters in the general election.

A “yes” vote would authorize the city to implement the negotiated contract. A “no” vote would preserve the existing system under which residents select from licensed private haulers.

According to official city information, the City Council reopened the organized-collection process in January. The process included a required negotiation period with licensed haulers, appointment of a Solid Waste Options Committee, review of the committee’s report and preparation of a request for proposals.

The city selected Republic Services after reviewing the submitted proposals.

If voters approve the change, residential trash collection would begin May 10, 2027. Optional yard-waste collection would begin earlier in the spring.

The proposed monthly trash rates are:

• $10.15 for a 32-gallon cart collected every other week
• $13.30 for a 32-gallon cart collected weekly
• $13.85 for a 64-gallon cart collected weekly
• $14.40 for a 96-gallon cart collected weekly
• $13.03 for each additional weekly cart

Discounted rates would be available for qualifying senior citizens and veterans using 32-gallon service. The proposed rate would be $9.64 for every-other-week collection or $12.62 for weekly collection. The city would determine eligibility.

An optional full-season yard-waste subscription would cost $120 annually and include a cart and collection of as many as five additional bags each week. Overflow bags beyond that allowance would cost $3.50 each, subject to a 10-bag limit.

The contract provides for annual rate increases of 4 percent.

The ballot measure continues a longstanding public debate in Anoka over organized collection and residents’ ability to choose their own waste hauler. Voters rejected an earlier organized-collection proposal in 2024.

MinneapoliMedia reported in December 2025 that the City Council planned to reopen the issue. The selection of Republic Services, approval of the contingent contract and placement of the final question on the November ballot represent the latest developments.

Residents may review the proposed contract, prices, ballot language and frequently asked questions through the city’s website.

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