JACKONVILLE, Fla. – Trash fees are going up for Jacksonville residents. On Tuesday, Jacksonville City Council considered and approved two pieces of legislation at Tuesday’s meeting that would raise trash fees for homeowners.
The legislation passed with a 12 to 7 vote, marking the first time in 15 years that trash fees have increased.
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The current monthly trash fee is $12.65. Here are the rates the city council approved:
- $27.00 a month in 2025
- $29.50 a month in 2026
- $32.00 a month in 2027
The companion bill, which addresses affordability concerns, also passed 13 to 6 to help people with low incomes apply for assistance to keep their trash fees at the current rate. The bill will offer assistance for people in need. The Rules Committee revised the proposal that exempts low-income residents from the fee increase, requiring them to pay the current rate of $120 annually if eligible.
Recipients would have to reapply for the assistance yearly.
City Councilman Matt Carlucci said the increase would help pay for a growing debt for a solid waste loan that helps pay for garbage collection.
The debt was expected to grow to $500 million by fiscal year 2031-2032 if council didn’t raise the fees.
News4JAX spoke with Carlucci after the vote.
“I certainly take no satisfaction in raising someone’s fees, but I do want to thank the grace and understanding that the many, many residents, neighborhood organizations, and civic groups have offered me when I have talked about this issue,” he said. “I especially want to thank the Citizen Planning Advisory Councils (CPACs) that I have visited over the last two months to speak on this issue, and also my colleagues and anyone else who would listen.”
The garbage fee hasn’t changed since 2010, even though service costs have doubled.
Notices will be sent to homeowners regarding the increased rate, then a public hearing will be held. Next, there will be legislation to officially set the rate.