In session Monday, lawmakers advanced Bill 30, a sweeping measure by Senator Sabina Perez that would require islandwide garbage collection and disposal for all residential properties.

Perez says there are two goals to be achieved: Stabilize Guam Solid Waste Authority’s customer base and reduce illegal dumping across the island.

“Everyone generates trash and we each share in this responsibility to ensure proper disposal of our waste,” said Sen. Perez. 

And this isn’t the first time the legislature has considered islandwide trash collection.

During the 37th Guam Legislature, Bill 165-37 was passed by the body, but was later vetoed by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

She raised concerns over how to keep costs down for vulnerable populations, as well as how an assistance plan would be funded.

Bill 30 directly addresses such concerns, incorporating Public Utilities Commission recommendations, revised language on “lifeline rates”, and sets up a customer assistance program to be funded by legislative appropriations or federal grants, not revenue from ratepayers.

Under the bill, all residential building owners would have to subscribe to either public or private collection services. 

But there are exemptions: Vacant homes, small four-unit buildings where tenants already subscribe, and registered self-haulers using transfer stations may opt out.

Current GSWA customers will see modest increases through 2028, when the mandatory system is expected to be fully implemented.

But they project a steep drop in rates once everyone is on board, as low as $22.50 a month.

Senator Chris Barnett says the short-term squeeze is worth the long-term gain.

“Unfortunately, we have to legislate it. But I believe that resolving this problem and solving this issue, which has been occurring for decades, will mandate that our people have more pride in our island,” said Barnett. 

Bill 30 now heads to the voting file, along with several other measures, including Bill 45, or "Bentley's Law,” to require impaired drivers convicted of vehicular homicide to pay restitution to their victims’ children; Bill 92, designating November as Veterans Service Recognition Month; Bill 153, modernizing Guam’s voting precincts; and Bill 97, restructuring the public defender service corporation.