News | Port St. Lucie

St. Lucie County Garbage Fees Rise for 2025

September 4, 2025
9:53 am

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners garbage fees are increasing in 2025, affecting both unincorporated areas and the City of Port St. Lucie. The changes come after county commissioners and city officials approved new rates in response to higher landfill operating costs.

St. Lucie County Garbage Fees Approved for Unincorporated Areas

St. Lucie County commissioners unanimously voted on September 2, 2025, to raise annual garbage collection and disposal fees for property owners in unincorporated parts of the county. Starting October 1, the yearly fee will be $468, an increase of $82.56 from the previous fiscal year.

The main reason for the higher fee is the increased cost of operating the county-owned St. Lucie County Landfill. Rising expenses have impacted not only households in unincorporated St. Lucie County but also larger customers, including the city of Port St. Lucie.

Twice-Weekly Garbage Pickup Maintained

Despite the higher garbage fees, residents in unincorporated St. Lucie County will continue to receive twice-weekly garbage collection. County officials emphasized that maintaining this service level was a priority, even as costs rise.

Commissioner James Clasby stated before the vote that the fee increase is necessary to preserve the current schedule. “I’m not going to do anything that will risk two-day-a-week service to our customers, ratepayers,” he said during the meeting.

Port St. Lucie Solid Waste Fees Also Increasing

Port St. Lucie homeowners will also see higher solid waste fees in 2025. The City Council approved a new rate of $467.33 per year per household on August 25, representing a $20.89 increase over the previous year.

The city’s rate hike is partly due to higher landfill dumping fees charged by the county. These expenses are passed on to city residents through their annual garbage bills.

Once-a-Week Garbage Collection in Port St. Lucie

Unlike unincorporated county areas, Port St. Lucie residents currently receive once-a-week garbage pickup. In 2022, a collection crisis led the city to switch haulers from WastePro to FCC Environmental Services. The new contract, chosen as the most affordable option, reduced pickups from twice weekly to once per week.

City officials have indicated that increasing service back to twice weekly would require a significant fee hike. According to a 2024 city survey, 86% of respondents preferred to keep once-a-week service rather than pay an estimated $131 more per year for additional pickups.

Why Are Garbage Fees Increasing in St. Lucie County?

The primary driver behind the rising garbage fees in both St. Lucie County and Port St. Lucie is the increased cost of operating the county landfill. These costs include labor, equipment, maintenance, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Higher landfill expenses have led the county to raise the rates it charges to all users, including municipalities like Port St. Lucie. Both city and county officials have stated that the new fees are necessary to keep waste collection services running smoothly.

Differences Between City and County Garbage Services

While annual garbage fees for unincorporated St. Lucie County and Port St. Lucie are now nearly identical, there are important differences in service:

Unincorporated St. Lucie County: Twice-weekly garbage collection by WastePro
Port St. Lucie: Once-a-week garbage collection by FCC Environmental Services

These differences reflect decisions made by local officials based on service priorities and budget constraints.

Potential Changes Ahead for Port St. Lucie Residents

Some Port St. Lucie residents have expressed frustration over the reduced pickup frequency. In response, the City Council plans to put the issue of garbage collection frequency on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Councilmembers have cautioned that any move to restore twice-weekly pickups would come with higher costs. The city’s 2024 survey results suggest most residents are unwilling to pay the extra fee required for more frequent service. For more on upcoming changes, see the waste disposal rates rising in Port St. Lucie this November.

Summary of Garbage Fee Changes

Unincorporated St. Lucie County: $468/year, up $82.56; twice-weekly pickup remains
Port St. Lucie: $467.33/year, up $20.89; once-a-week pickup continues
Both increases take effect October 1, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Garbage Fees

What are the new St. Lucie County garbage fees for 2025?

The annual garbage fee for unincorporated St. Lucie County will be $468 starting October 1, 2025. In Port St. Lucie, the new rate is $467.33 per year per household.

How often is garbage collected in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County?

Unincorporated St. Lucie County residents receive twice-weekly garbage pickup. Port St. Lucie residents have once-a-week collection service.

Why did St. Lucie County increase garbage fees?

The main reason for the fee increase is higher costs at the county-owned landfill. These expenses affect both county and city customers.

Can Port St. Lucie residents get twice-weekly garbage pickup?

Currently, Port St. Lucie provides once-a-week pickup. The City Council plans to let voters decide in 2026 if they want to pay more for twice-weekly service.