Committee hears measure to require island‑wide garbage service; agencies debate low‑income subsidy and funding timing

Senator Sabina Perez opened the hearing on Bill 30‑38, COR, saying the measure would implement an island‑wide collection program intended to curb illegal dumping, stabilize GSWA revenue and lower household collection rates. "This bill aims to ensure that every Guam resident's garbage is collected and properly disposed of through an island wide collection program," Perez said.

Nut graf: Bill 30‑38 would require residential subscription to GSWA collection, expand the customer base and, according to GSWA modeling, lower the per‑household monthly charge — from projected $33–$35 under current voluntary service to roughly $22.50 if island‑wide service is implemented and carts are procured. Witnesses at the hearing discussed funding for carts and trucks, enforcement of mandatory subscription, low‑income customer assistance, and the role of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in rate review.

Irvin Slake, general manager of the Guam Solid Waste Authority, testified that the island currently has about 21,000 households subscribing to curbside service and estimated roughly 41,500 households could be served island‑wide. He said GSWA’s consultant projected an island‑wide subscription rate of $22.50 per household if the authority can obtain about $4…