Dubois County commissioners have approved a modest but consequential increase in the price of solid‑waste stickers used for household trash, raising the per‑sticker fee from $1.50 to $2 beginning Jan. 3. The half‑dollar change — a one‑time increase of roughly 33 percent — applies to stickers for up to 45‑gallon bags and is intended to shore up funding to maintain trash and recycling services through 2026.

County leaders described the adjustment as necessary to respond to rising operational costs for waste collection and recycling programs. The move is framed as a preventive step to preserve existing service levels rather than an expansion of fees, with officials stressing continuity of service as the primary objective for the near term.

Practical details issued by the county make clear that residents who prefer to lock in the current $1.50 rate may purchase stickers now and retain them for use after the Jan. 3 price change. The stickers will continue to be valid for the same 45‑gallon bag limit. The county also emphasized that household efforts to separate recyclables from general trash will help mitigate costs and reduce pressure on the solid‑waste budget.

For many households the increase will be a modest outlay, but for families and individuals who regularly purchase multiple stickers the cumulative effect could be noticeable over time. The county frames the price change as one piece of a larger cost‑management strategy; encouraging recycling and waste reduction at the household level is presented as a parallel, community‑based approach to keeping long‑term fees lower.

The decision comes as local officials balance the need to maintain service reliability with sensitivity to household budgets. By setting the new price to take effect at the start of the year and allowing advance purchases at the current rate, commissioners provided a brief window for residents to adjust. The county’s emphasis on better separation of recyclables reflects both fiscal and environmental considerations, as reducing contamination in recycling streams can lower processing expenses.

Looking ahead, the price change is intended to sustain operations through 2026, but county leaders will continue to monitor costs and service demands. Residents who routinely use solid‑waste stickers or who dispose of larger volumes of trash may want to reassess waste habits and recycling practices in response to the change. Those seeking more information should consult county communications for details on purchasing stickers and local recycling guidance.