For years, residents and small business owners in London, Kentucky have unknowingly paid far more than necessary for a basic city service: trash collection. Now we’re learning why. A new lawsuit alleges that the city has been overcharging for garbage pickup by more than $1.5 million a year—and using those funds to cover unrelated expenses like citywide electricity, public relations, and even police department salaries.

This isn’t just unethical—it may be illegal. City ordinances explicitly state that trash collection is not meant to generate revenue. Yet instead of charging us fair rates based on the cost of service, the city appears to have treated our garbage bills like a slush fund. According to the lawsuit, this has happened across multiple budgets, for at least the last five years.

We’re calling on Mayor Randall Weddle and the London City Council to immediately do the following:

• Stop diverting garbage fees to non-trash-related expenses
• Refund residents and businesses for excess fees paid since 2020
• Commit to full transparency by publishing a detailed breakdown of trash collection costs and ensuring future fees are based solely on those expenses

Every dollar matters in a town like London. Families shouldn’t have to wonder if they’re being overbilled for basic services. Small businesses shouldn’t be forced to subsidize parts of the city budget they never agreed to fund. And no official—elected or not—should be allowed to violate the financial trust of the people they serve.

It’s time for accountability. Sign this petition to demand an immediate end to unlawful garbage fees and a full refund for London residents and business owners who’ve paid too much for too long.