Why your trash bill could be climbing this fall—and what you’ll actually get for the cost
- Replies 0
If you’ve opened your property tax bill recently and noticed an increase, you’re not alone.
Across the country, waste collection fees are on the rise, leaving many homeowners frustrated and searching for answers.
In some communities, the hike isn’t just a small bump—it’s a noticeable hit to the budget.
The changes are sparking debates over service quality, value for money, and whether residents are truly getting what they pay for.
Let’s look closer at what’s driving these new costs, how they compare nationwide, and what options you have moving forward.
Starting October 1, homeowners in unincorporated St. Lucie County, Florida will see their annual trash collection fee jump to $468—an increase of $82.56 per year.
County officials explain that the rise is tied to multiple factors: higher fuel prices, costlier equipment maintenance, and landfill expenses that haven’t been updated since the 1990s.
As county spokesperson Erick Gill noted, “The landfill ran at a deficit. Rates have not really increased since the 90s, but the operating costs have increased, fuel and equipment.”
In other words, decades of flat fees are now catching up to residents.
Despite the hike, residents will continue receiving twice-weekly trash collection—a crucial service in Florida’s hot climate.
Bulk pickup will also remain in place a few times per month, though some residents say service has been inconsistent.
Locals like Rita Dulya worry about pests and declining quality, while others recall when regular bulk collection and twice-weekly pickups were taken for granted, not treated as a premium.
In fact, service cuts in some areas have prompted enough concern to put the issue on the ballot in a November referendum.
St. Lucie County isn’t alone in raising rates.
In Marion County, Florida, waste collection fees are set to climb from $87 to $215—a $128 jump after nearly two decades of flat charges.
In Fort Collins, Colorado, residents are preparing for a monthly increase of up to $3.45.
Interestingly, not everyone in St. Lucie is equally affected.
Those living within the city of Port St. Lucie will see a much smaller increase—about $20.89 more per year—thanks to negotiated contracts that city officials say save each homeowner about $45 compared to county rates.
Waste management costs are climbing across the board. Among the main drivers:
While it’s not possible to lower county budgets single-handedly, there are ways to take action:
Nobody enjoys paying more for the same—or in some cases, less—service.
Still, understanding why fees are rising may help ease some of the frustration.
Twice-weekly pickups and bulk collection remain valuable in many communities, but these conveniences carry costs that are becoming harder to avoid.
Read next:
We’d like to hear from you: Have you noticed your trash bill creeping higher? Have service levels in your area changed? What steps are you taking to cut down on waste or push back on rising costs? Share your experience in the comments so others in The GrayVine community can learn from you.
Across the country, waste collection fees are on the rise, leaving many homeowners frustrated and searching for answers.
In some communities, the hike isn’t just a small bump—it’s a noticeable hit to the budget.
The changes are sparking debates over service quality, value for money, and whether residents are truly getting what they pay for.
Let’s look closer at what’s driving these new costs, how they compare nationwide, and what options you have moving forward.
Rising trash collection fees are leaving many homeowners questioning whether the service is worth the cost. Image source: Pexels / Juan Pablo Serrano.
Why are fees going up?
Starting October 1, homeowners in unincorporated St. Lucie County, Florida will see their annual trash collection fee jump to $468—an increase of $82.56 per year.
County officials explain that the rise is tied to multiple factors: higher fuel prices, costlier equipment maintenance, and landfill expenses that haven’t been updated since the 1990s.
As county spokesperson Erick Gill noted, “The landfill ran at a deficit. Rates have not really increased since the 90s, but the operating costs have increased, fuel and equipment.”
In other words, decades of flat fees are now catching up to residents.
Also read: From trash to treasure: How one couple scored $11K in savings!
What does the extra money cover?
Despite the hike, residents will continue receiving twice-weekly trash collection—a crucial service in Florida’s hot climate.
Bulk pickup will also remain in place a few times per month, though some residents say service has been inconsistent.
Locals like Rita Dulya worry about pests and declining quality, while others recall when regular bulk collection and twice-weekly pickups were taken for granted, not treated as a premium.
In fact, service cuts in some areas have prompted enough concern to put the issue on the ballot in a November referendum.
Also read: America’s filthiest city? It’s not the one everyone expected
How does St. Lucie compare?
St. Lucie County isn’t alone in raising rates.
In Marion County, Florida, waste collection fees are set to climb from $87 to $215—a $128 jump after nearly two decades of flat charges.
In Fort Collins, Colorado, residents are preparing for a monthly increase of up to $3.45.
Interestingly, not everyone in St. Lucie is equally affected.
Those living within the city of Port St. Lucie will see a much smaller increase—about $20.89 more per year—thanks to negotiated contracts that city officials say save each homeowner about $45 compared to county rates.
Also read: Duped by water charges? Customers in nine states may be paying for rain
Why are trash fees rising nationwide?
Waste management costs are climbing across the board. Among the main drivers:
- Fuel prices: Garbage trucks burn through diesel quickly, and prices remain high.
- Aging equipment: Many counties are running vehicles far past their intended lifespan.
- Labor shortages: The industry faces challenges in hiring and retaining workers.
- Environmental regulations: Stricter rules for landfill operations and recycling compliance add extra costs.
Also read: Something big is happening at the banks—and it’s not just business as usual
What can residents do?
While it’s not possible to lower county budgets single-handedly, there are ways to take action:
- Get involved locally. Attend town halls and council meetings, especially when waste service contracts or referendums are on the agenda.
- Reduce your trash. Composting, recycling, and careful consumption can reduce the volume you throw away.
- Shop around. In areas with private haulers, comparing options could save money.
- Stay alert. Watch your tax bill and city notices closely—changes often come with little warning.
Nobody enjoys paying more for the same—or in some cases, less—service.
Still, understanding why fees are rising may help ease some of the frustration.
Twice-weekly pickups and bulk collection remain valuable in many communities, but these conveniences carry costs that are becoming harder to avoid.
Read next:
- Are you at risk of unexpected fees? This US state’s surprising new law could ban a grocery store staple
- Are you making this huge mistake with your garbage disposal? It’s not what you think!
- Are you about to get hit with a $523 trash fee? What every American needs to know about this new waste law starting in July
We’d like to hear from you: Have you noticed your trash bill creeping higher? Have service levels in your area changed? What steps are you taking to cut down on waste or push back on rising costs? Share your experience in the comments so others in The GrayVine community can learn from you.
