Waste disposal rates in City of Port St. Lucie are set to rise this November, affecting more than 90,000 local homeowners as city officials confirm a new annual fee structure for trash collection and disposal. For a deeper understanding of the upcoming changes, see the 2025 garbage fee increase and its key facts.
Port St. Lucie Waste Disposal Rate Increase Details
The main keyword, waste disposal rates in Port St. Lucie, is central to recent city council decisions. Homeowners will see a monthly increase of $1.74, totaling $20.89 more per year. The new annual waste disposal cost will be $467.33, up from $446.44.
This adjustment will appear on property tax bills, as the city funds trash pickup and disposal through annual tax assessments. The increase follows a Port St. Lucie City Council vote held on Monday night, where members approved the new rates after discussion and public input.
Reasons Behind the Waste Disposal Rate Hike
City officials attribute the rising waste disposal rates in Port St. Lucie to higher collection and disposal costs from the contracted waste management provider, FCC Environmental Services. The city’s contract with FCC requires rate adjustments when operational expenses rise.
Additionally, St. Lucie County has raised its own disposal rates, effective October 1, 2025. This county-level increase directly impacts the city’s costs, as Port St. Lucie trash is transported to county-managed landfills. To learn more about the county’s decision, explore the 71% increase in garbage disposal costs for St. Lucie County.
Contractual Obligations and County Agreements
Mayor Shannon Martin explained that the city was required to approve the 4% rate increase to remain in compliance with both its waste management contract and an interlocal agreement with the county. Voting against the increase would have breached these agreements.
According to Martin, “If we voted against the 4% increase, we would be in breach of contract with our solid waste provider, and we also had an interlocal agreement with the county. We would have been in breach with the county as well.”
Impact on Port St. Lucie Homeowners
The rate increase will affect over 90,000 homeowners in Port St. Lucie. Residents received notification in an August 4, 2025, letter, outlining the new waste management levy for the year.
Many residents expressed frustration at the city council meeting, voicing concerns about the rising cost of trash pickup and dissatisfaction with service quality.
Resident Concerns Over Service and Costs
Some residents, including Dennis Lipp, noted that rates have increased in consecutive years since FCC Environmental Services took over the contract in 2022. Lipp stated, “Last year they raised; the FCC raised their price, this year they raised it again.”
Others questioned the effectiveness of current waste collection services and asked city officials to reconsider the proposal, but the council cited contractual obligations as the primary reason for moving forward with the increase.
Factors Driving Higher Waste Disposal Rates in Port St. Lucie
City Manager Jesus Merejo addressed the reasons for the rising costs. He explained that rapid population growth in Port St. Lucie has led to increased landfill usage, requiring the city and county to reassess disposal fees. For a behind-the-scenes perspective on how local landfills operate, check out this inside look at St. Lucie County’s trash and recycling operations in Fort Pierce.
Merejo said, “They did not anticipate the growth that Port St. Lucie was having. So basically, a lot of the cells within landfills were being filled, so they had to reassess, reevaluate and actually come up with what the actual cost will be.”
History of Trash Collection Contracts in Port St. Lucie
Trash pickup has been a recurring issue for Port St. Lucie. The city is currently involved in litigation with its former provider, Waste Pro, over alleged contract violations. In 2022, the city awarded a new contract to FCC Environmental Services, but some residents remain dissatisfied with service levels and rate increases.
What Homeowners Need to Know About the Rate Change
- New annual waste disposal rate: $467.33 per household
- Monthly increase: $1.74
- Total annual increase: $20.89
- Effective date: November 2025 property tax bills
- Provider: FCC Environmental Services
- County disposal rate increase effective: October 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Waste Disposal Rates in Port St. Lucie
What are the new waste disposal rates in Port St. Lucie for 2025?
The new annual waste disposal rate in Port St. Lucie is $467.33 per household, an increase of $20.89 from last year. This change will be reflected in property tax bills starting in November 2025.
How much will my monthly trash pickup cost increase in PSL?
Homeowners in Port St. Lucie will see their waste disposal cost rise by $1.74 per month. This adds up to $20.89 more per year.
Are there other options for waste management services in Port St. Lucie?
Currently, FCC Environmental Services is the contracted waste management provider for Port St. Lucie. The city manages trash pickup through this single provider as part of its municipal agreement.
Can you appeal the waste disposal rate increase in Port St. Lucie?
The rate increase was approved by the city council and is part of the property tax assessment. Residents can voice concerns at city council meetings, but the rate is set for the coming year due to contractual obligations.
Where are the landfills that serve Port St. Lucie located?
Trash collected in Port St. Lucie is taken to landfills managed by St. Lucie County. These facilities handle waste disposal for the city and surrounding areas.
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