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.

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, home chemical collection and enforcement programs.

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 and continue identifying cost savings.

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.

In order to maintain the LOS for the coming fiscal year, the Administration recommends an increase of two percent, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  The Collection Fee for most customers would increase by $22 over the current rate of $702, for a total of $724 annually.  The per household unit will continue to be charged on the Tax Bill via the non-ad valorem method. The Director continues to evaluate the Department for additional process efficiencies and cost containment savings within DSWM.

The Board of County Commissioners will consider adoption of the final solid waste fee in September. The fee amount is anticipated to be included in the FY 2026–27 Proposed Budget.

The modest proposed CPI increase is recommended to the current annual fee of $702 per household, to maintain the current LOS that 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"