Tampa, FL
Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increase

Approved Solid Waste Rate Adjustment

The daily operations of the Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management team are essential in realizing Tampa's commitment the health and safety of its residents, and cleanliness and environmental responsibility for its neighborhoods. From curbside garbage and recycling collection to major cleanup services for city events and emergencies, these services keep our city vibrant and functional. However, with our last solid waste rate increase having been in 2012 and the subsequent adjustments ceasing in 2015, a new review of the rates is critical to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the waste services the department delivers to its residential and commercial customers.

After nine years without rate adjustments, we recognize the need to reevaluate the solid waste rates in light of the rising costs of these invaluable services. While we understand that a rate adjustment impacts all residential and commercial entities, it is an essential step in ensuring Tampa's waste management sustains its operational capacity, maintains financial health and continues to meet the growing needs of our thriving city well into the future. Even as we take this necessary step, we are deeply committed to transparency and valuing community input in government decision-making.

Residential Rate Adjustments over 5-years

The proposed solid waste rate adjustment will raise the current residential monthly rate of** $34.91** to $38.23 as of October 1, 2024, which equates to an increase of $3.32 per month.

Tampa’s commercial tipping disposal fees were last adjusted in 2002. The proposed solid waste rate adjustment will raise the current commercial tipping fee of $71 to $95 per ton as of October 1, 2024.

Service Benefits:

· SWEEP Annual Neighborhood Clean-up

· Disability Collection Service

· Senior Discount

· Special Events and Parade Clean-up

· First Responders – Post Natural Disasters and Emergency Events

· Christmas Tree Curbside Collection

· Bulky Waste Collection Service

· Litter Skimmer Trash Boat – Waterways Clean-up

· Free Drop-off Disposal at McKay Bay Waste Disposal Complex

· Residential Curbside Collection of Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste

· Commercial Garbage and Recycling Collection and Disposal Services

· Tampa Trash and Recycling App – Service Lookup and Notifications

· Alternative Fuel Use to Reduce Expenses and the Department’s Carbon Footprint

· State of Florida’s Brownfields Program

· Waste Reduction and Recycling Educational Programs:
oBackyard Composting Program
oBead-Free Bay Program
o Annual 3R’s Art and Poetry Competition

· Resources to address illegal dumping

"After a solid waste rate adjustment hiatus of almost a decade, we continue to hold fast to our commitment to Tampa's residents and businesses to showcase our amazing City during large-scale and national events and deliver world-class garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection services throughout Tampa's neighborhoods, and at our landmark sights, and attractions. Our mission is to provide outstanding services and to always pursue industry-leading and sustainable initiatives, and this rate adjustment will ensure we fulfill our promise to that effort."
Larry Washington
Director

Project Updates

Important Dates

29
Apr 2024

Community Meeting In Person & Virtual

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department invites you to participate in a public meeting to discuss proposed rate adjustments. Due to the increased costs over the last decade, a solid waste rate adjustment is needed to continue providing critical services to our Tampa community. An adjustment to the solid waste rates will allow the department to maintain current levels of service, provide financial stability, and make the investments needed to ensure that the waste disposal and collection needs of Tampa’s residents and businesses are provided for now, and in the future.

**Date: **April 29, 2024
**Time: **6 p.m.
**Location:**2555 East Hanna Avenue
**Virtual Registration: **[https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/36e2ba67-ce0e-4ae4-9044-f3c3898c6e5f@8d9d0373-5c91-45b4-905b-12fe918cb628])

We value your participation in this important discussion and look forward to hearing your feedback at the public meeting. For more information, visit the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department at (813) 274-8811 or visit www.tampa.gov/solidwaste

30
Apr 2024

Community Meeting

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department invites you to participate in a public meeting to discuss proposed rate adjustments. Due to the increased costs over the last decade, a solid waste rate adjustment is needed to continue providing critical services to our Tampa community. An adjustment to the solid waste rates will allow the department to maintain current levels of service, provide financial stability, and make the investments needed to ensure that the waste disposal and collection needs of Tampa’s residents and businesses are provided for now, and in the future.

**Date: **April 30, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
**Location:**Barksdale Community Center, 1801 North Lincoln Avenue

We value your participation in this important discussion and look forward to hearing your feedback at the public meeting. For more information, visit the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department at (813) 274-8811 or visit www.tampa.gov/solidwaste

6
May 2024

Community Meeting

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department invites you to participate in a public meeting to discuss proposed rate adjustments. Due to the increased costs over the last decade, a solid waste rate adjustment is needed to continue providing critical services to our Tampa community. An adjustment to the solid waste rates will allow the department to maintain current levels of service, provide financial stability, and make the investments needed to ensure that the waste disposal and collection needs of Tampa’s residents and businesses are provided for now, and in the future.

**Date: **May 6, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.
**Location:**Platt Library, 3910 South Manhattan Avenue

We value your participation in this important discussion and look forward to hearing your feedback at the public meeting. For more information, visit the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department at (813) 274-8811 or visit www.tampa.gov/solidwasteJan

6
Jun 2024

Council Session- Final Vote

City of Tampa's City Council will make a vote on the rate adjustment.