Residents of St. Lucie County could soon experience higher garbage disposal costs due to financial shortfalls at the county landfill. Recent analyses revealed that the landfill has been operating at a loss, prompting officials to consider significant rate increases to offset rising operational expenses.
Landfill Financial Deficit Prompts Rate Hike
According to Erick Gill, spokesperson for St. Lucie County, the landfill has been running at a deficit, primarily because disposal rates have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s. Meanwhile, operational costs, including fuel and equipment, have risen significantly, exacerbating the financial strain.
“The landfill ran at a deficit,” Gill explained. “Rates have not really increased since the 90s, but the operating costs have increased, fuel and equipment.”
Projected Cost Increases for Residents and Contractors
Currently, contractors such as Waste Pro and FCC pay $49 per ton to dispose of residential garbage at the landfill. However, by October, this rate could rise to $69 per ton, representing a substantial increase of approximately 41%. Gill noted that these higher costs would inevitably be passed on to residents.
Homeowners in unincorporated areas currently pay an annual solid waste fee of $384.44. This fee could increase to $464, adding nearly $80 per year to their expenses.
- Current disposal rate: $49 per ton
- Proposed disposal rate: $69 per ton
- Annual homeowner fee increase: approximately $80
County Growth and Landfill Expansion Plans
Rapid population growth in St. Lucie County has also contributed to increased landfill usage, necessitating expansion efforts. County officials plan to expand Cell V of the landfill to accommodate the growing volume of waste, thereby avoiding the costly process of developing a new landfill site elsewhere in the county.
“We’re expanding a Cell V, so we can continue to use this site and not have to go out and look for somewhere else in the county to build a new landfill,” Gill stated.
Balancing Business Needs and Resident Concerns
Gill emphasized that while the county understands the financial burden higher rates may impose on residents, the landfill must operate sustainably. “No one wants to pay more,” Gill acknowledged. “But at the same time, this is a business. It has to run like a business, so the annual expenses need to match the revenue coming in.”
For additional information on waste management practices and environmental guidelines, residents can visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s waste management resources.
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the proposed rate increases by commenting below and sharing this article with neighbors and community members.
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