Port St. Lucie residents may soon face higher garbage fees due to an increase in tipping fees at the St. Lucie County Landfill. County Administrator George Landry informed city councilmembers that the landfill’s tipping fees, the charges garbage haulers pay to dispose of waste, have risen significantly. This increase will likely impact residents in both unincorporated areas and within Port St. Lucie city limits.
Why Garbage Fees Are Increasing in Port St. Lucie
The landfill has not adjusted its rates for years, leading to financial shortfalls estimated between $3 million and $5 million annually. To address this deficit, the county implemented cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze. Landry emphasized that the landfill must become financially sustainable without burdening county taxpayers, including those in Port St. Lucie.
“We don’t want our residents to be subsidizing out-of-towners,” said Landry. He clarified that the county’s goal is sustainability rather than profit-making from residents.
Proposed New Tipping Fees
The proposed increases presented by Landry are significant:
- Garbage: $49 per ton to $79 per ton
- Yard waste: $45 per ton to $69 per ton
- Construction and demolition waste: $32 per ton to $69 per ton
- Recycling (previously free): now $39 per ton
Residents in unincorporated areas will see their annual garbage fees increase by $83.56 starting in October 2025. Port St. Lucie officials, including Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo, expressed concerns over the potential impact on residents, who already face annual inflation-tied increases.
City Explores Alternative Options
City Manager Jesus Merejo confirmed that Port St. Lucie is exploring all options, including negotiating with other landfills, although alternative facilities may also charge higher rates. Landry assured city officials that any new agreement would offer more flexibility than the current arrangement, which the county intends to terminate.
Chief Assistant City Manager Teresa Lamar-Sarno noted that the recent meeting was preliminary, with further discussions expected as early as late March or April. City Communications Director Sarah Prohaska emphasized the importance of clarifying to residents that the city does not control tipping fees, despite how they appear on tax bills.
For additional details on waste management practices and landfill regulations, visit the official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Landfill Information.
Common Questions About Port St. Lucie’s Garbage Fee Increase
Why are garbage fees increasing in Port St. Lucie?
Fees are rising due to increased tipping fees at the county landfill, aimed at covering financial shortfalls and ensuring sustainability.
How much will garbage fees increase for residents?
Residents in unincorporated areas face an annual increase of $83.56 starting October 2025; Port St. Lucie residents may see similar hikes.
Can Port St. Lucie negotiate better landfill rates?
The city is exploring alternative options, including negotiating with other landfills, but lower rates may be difficult to secure.
Who controls the tipping fees in Port St. Lucie?
Tipping fees are controlled by St. Lucie County, not the city, despite appearing on residents’ city tax bills.
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