TAMPA, Fla. — All Tampa residents and businesses will see a slightly bigger number on their solid waste bill in a few months.
The Tampa City Council approved a new solid waste rate adjustment Friday, the first of its kind since 2012, according to a City of Tampa news release.
The increased rates will go into effect on October 1.
According to the release, the current monthly residential rate of $34.91 will increase a few dollars to $38.23. These rates will continue to increase over 5 years. The tipping fee for commercial customers will increase from $71 to $95 per ton.
The city says the adjusted rates would help with the rising costs of solid waste services.
“After nine years with no rate changes, the city has recognized the need to reevaluate and adjust solid waste rates to sustain operational capacity, financial health, and meet the growing needs of our thriving community,” the release said.
The City of Tampa provides the following list of services where the increased rates would most benefit:
- Annual Neighborhood Clean-up (SWEEP)
- Disability Collection Service
- Senior Discount
- Special Events and Parade Clean-up
- Post-Natural Disaster and Emergency Event Response
- Christmas Tree Curbside Collection
- Bulky Waste Collection Service
- Litter Skimmer Trash Boat for 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 for Service Lookup and Notifications
- Use of Alternative Fuel to Reduce Expenses and the Department’s Carbon Footprint
- Participation in the State of Florida’s Brownfields Program
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Educational Programs:
- Backyard Composting Program
- Bead-Free Bay Program
- Annual 3R’s Art and Poetry Competition
