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Yep. This happened in St. Louis county a few years ago. They gave all contracts to one company "to reduce costs" and made the payment mandatory for recycling whether you used it or not.

I was forced to pay people to take my recycling, which I never had any of because I take it to the recycling center and get around 35-40 cents a pound.

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Interesting, I'm in STL city and never heard about that. Granted, I rent and usually trash fees are paid by my landlord.

A similar thing happened to my parents, living in a Milwaukee suburb. They have a well drilled and use well water.

The city decided that this is a health hazard and is forcing everyone to be on well water. Not only do they tear up your yard to drop the pipes, you also have to pay a contractor to hook up the water main to your house. Non-compliance results in a fine. A FINE?! For using your own well water...

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