Proposed solid waste fees for this year

The Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) provides essential public services overseeing the management of waste and recyclables generated within the County in an environmentally responsible manner, to protect public health and quality of life for our residents. Nearly 1,200 employees, including drivers, collectors, engineers, code enforcement officers, environmental compliance staff, and other professional and technical employees work together to accomplish the Department’s mission. In addition to the traditional tasks of waste collection and disposal, the Department also oversees mosquito control countywide.

The current level of service (LOS) for the Collection Operations includes, but is not limited to, twice per week garbage collection; two bulky waste pickups per year; seven days per week access to all thirteen (13) neighborhood trash and recycling centers (TRCs); and every other week curbside recycling collection, as well as services for Countywide illegal dumping and enforcement programs.

Due to ongoing increases in operational costs for the Department, DSWM will experience a revenue shortfall of $39 million for FY 2024-25. As a result, DSWM will find its Collection Operations Fund in a deficit beginning October 1, 2024. The Department also faces other pending challenges including the need to identify a replacement for the Resources Recovery Facility, in order to ensure the County continues to meet our disposal capacity requirement.

Given these constraints, the Administration is committed to seeking all possible opportunities to reduce waste management costs – including accelerating its implementation of a Zero Waste Strategy and seeking revenue generation opportunities and efficiencies within the Department. The DSWM is working to generate additional revenues by insourcing County garbage collection within the next few years in a phased-in approach as we purchase and receive commercial garbage trucks, containers, and hire and train staff.

Further, the Department has mitigated the increased cost of the Collection Operations through the implementation of efficiencies, including utilizing financing options for critical vehicle replacements, implementing a TRC Access Management System to reduce unauthorized use of the facilities; deployment of route automation that eliminated unnecessary garbage routes; and implementing a Bulky Waste by Appointment System that allows residents to select their appointment pick-up time, which facilitates quicker service and improves neighborhood aesthetics with cleaner curbsides. The Department will also begin collection of County departments’ waste in a phased-in approach as they purchase and receive commercial garbage trucks, containers, and hire and train staff. The DSWM expects to receive, by December 2024, four front end loading garbage trucks to be able to service County departments.

In order to maintain the LOS for the coming fiscal year while providing relief to residents, the Administration recommends the Collection Fee remain flat at the current rate of $547 per household unit and continue to be charged on the Tax Bill via the non-ad valorem method, and that DSWM utilize the Disposal Fund to cover the $39 million gap in FY 2024-25. The Director has been tasked with continuing to evaluate the Department for additional process efficiencies and cost containment savings within DSWM.

However, should the Board consider another option, the Collection Fee can be increased to cover the $39 million revenue shortfall to continue providing the current LOS. This increased fee amount will be reflected in the FY 2024-25 Proposed Budget, and the increase, due to the timing for notification of the public and deadlines for the development of the final TRIM notice, must be adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The Collection Fund will still require rate increases in the future to maintain the current LOS.

For these reasons, it is recommended no increases to the current annual fee of $547 per household including a $39 million loan from the Disposal Fund to the Collection Fund to maintain the current LOS that our residents expect from DSWM.

What kind of services does my fee cover?

• The same reliable waste and recycling collection and disposal services you have come to expect
• Resources to address illegal dumping
• Automated notification of your bulky waste pickup and waste/recycling cart orders
• Bulky Appointment System
• Cleaner neighborhoods and communities through department-sponsored programs such as "Let's Clean Things Up"
• Continued electrification of our fleet to reduce our carbon footprint and save taxpayers money

Resources and additional information

• 2025 proposed non-ad valorem notification (letter) in English, Spanish or Creole
• Notice of Public Hearing newspaper advertisement in English, Spanish or Creole
• Service Area map in English, Spanish or Creole
• Interactive Service Area Map