Guam Legislature Revisits Bill for Universal Trash Collection to Reduce Rates and Illegal Dumping
July 28, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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The 38th Guam Legislature convened on July 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding solid waste management and proposed legislation aimed at establishing universal trash collection. A significant focus of the meeting was the introduction of a new bill intended to address illegal dumping and improve the financial stability of the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA).
During the session, lawmakers emphasized the importance of universal trash collection as a deterrent to illegal dumping, which has been a persistent issue on the island. The proposed legislation aims to provide a structured customer assistance program to help eligible ratepayers manage their trash collection costs. However, a previous version of the bill was vetoed by the governor due to concerns about the lack of details regarding the program's implementation and funding.
Senators expressed frustration over the veto, noting that the Guam Public Utilities Commission (PUC) had supported the original bill. They highlighted that without the proposed legislation, GSWA would be forced to increase rates significantly, with projections indicating a rise from $30 to $38 by 2028. The new bill seeks to reverse this trend by potentially lowering rates to $22.50 for those who qualify for assistance.
The discussion also included the expiration of $4 million in American Rescue Plan funds that were intended for purchasing additional trash collection carts, which further complicates the situation. Senators urged their colleagues to support the new bill, emphasizing its potential to minimize illegal dumping and provide equitable solutions for low-income residents.
In response to questions about the bill's revisions, the author confirmed that concerns raised in the veto message had been addressed, particularly regarding the customer assistance program. The bill is now designed to allow GSWA to work collaboratively with PUC to establish fair rates and assistance measures.
As the session concluded, lawmakers reiterated the urgency of passing the bill to ensure a sustainable and effective solid waste management system for Guam, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the legislation meets the requirements set forth by the PUC and effectively serves the community.
During the session, lawmakers emphasized the importance of universal trash collection as a deterrent to illegal dumping, which has been a persistent issue on the island. The proposed legislation aims to provide a structured customer assistance program to help eligible ratepayers manage their trash collection costs. However, a previous version of the bill was vetoed by the governor due to concerns about the lack of details regarding the program's implementation and funding.
Senators expressed frustration over the veto, noting that the Guam Public Utilities Commission (PUC) had supported the original bill. They highlighted that without the proposed legislation, GSWA would be forced to increase rates significantly, with projections indicating a rise from $30 to $38 by 2028. The new bill seeks to reverse this trend by potentially lowering rates to $22.50 for those who qualify for assistance.
The discussion also included the expiration of $4 million in American Rescue Plan funds that were intended for purchasing additional trash collection carts, which further complicates the situation. Senators urged their colleagues to support the new bill, emphasizing its potential to minimize illegal dumping and provide equitable solutions for low-income residents.
In response to questions about the bill's revisions, the author confirmed that concerns raised in the veto message had been addressed, particularly regarding the customer assistance program. The bill is now designed to allow GSWA to work collaboratively with PUC to establish fair rates and assistance measures.
As the session concluded, lawmakers reiterated the urgency of passing the bill to ensure a sustainable and effective solid waste management system for Guam, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to ensure the legislation meets the requirements set forth by the PUC and effectively serves the community.
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