Alabama Solid Waste Fee Exemption for Veteran-Benefit Households

Beginning October 1, 2026, a household whose only income is veteran benefits, and whose income is under the federal poverty level, is exempt from solid waste collection fees. A locality may exempt those households above that income.

Also called: garbage, trash, solid waste, poverty, collection fee.

For: Veteran or service member, survivor.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

AlabamaState

Act 2026-506, effective October 1, 2026, amended Code section 22-27-3(a)(3), which already exempted households living only on Social Security, to add households whose sole source of income is veterans' benefits. The exemption covers the county or municipal solid waste collection fees charged under that article, and the statute defines veterans' benefits widely: any benefit, program, service or entitlement for veterans, dependents or survivors under the laws administered by VA or the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Where the household's income is at or below the current federal poverty level, the exemption applies everywhere. Above the poverty level it applies only in a county or city that has adopted a resolution saying so. That wider exemption is local and not automatic. Limestone County has not published such a resolution on its revenue or license pages. The household has to present proof of its source of income to the county health officer, who forwards it to the solid waste officer or city, and has to request the exemption again each year. The Department of Veterans Affairs' summary does not mention the annual request or where to file. This is a fee exemption. It is not a cash benefit, and it does not change the property-tax homestead.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Alabama Solid Waste Fee Exemption for Veteran-Benefit Households
Gate	Rule
Sole income from veteran benefits	The only household income has to be veterans' benefits, and that income has to be at or below the current federal poverty level, unless the county or city has adopted a resolution extending the exemption above it. Requested each year through the county health officer. Effective October 1, 2026.

Sources

Legislation

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Act 2026-506 (SB32) Exempted households living only on veterans’ benefits from solid waste collection fees

Catalog reconciledEnactedProgram created

Signed 2026-04-15Takes effect 2026-10-01

Introduced Done, 2026-01-13, step 1 of 6
In committee Done, 2026-01-13, step 2 of 6
Passed one chamber Done, 2026-03-03, step 3 of 6
Passed both chambers Done, 2026-04-09, step 4 of 6
Signed by the governor Done, 2026-04-15, step 5 of 6
In effect Done, 2026-10-01, step 6 of 6

Expands benefits Exempts a household living only on veterans' benefits from county and municipal solid waste fees.

Amended Code section 22-27-3 to add households whose sole income is veterans’ benefits to the Social Security exemption from county and municipal solid waste fees. At or below the federal poverty level it applies everywhere; above it only where the county or city adopts a resolution. Proof goes to the county health officer and the exemption is requested each year. Effective October 1, 2026.

Sponsor

Touches Code of Ala. § 22-27-3

Official record

Updated

Last updated 2026-09-30.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.