The trash collection and disposal fee for Polk County residents will jump 63.35% in the first of five years of increases, according to presentations to the county commissioners.
Dale Henderson, the county’s waste and recycling director, gave a presentation at the April 12 agenda review showing that by 2029, the assessment for trash and disposal will rise significantly above the current rate of $206.50 annually.
“As required, Polk County issued a competitive bid for the new collection contract which begins on October 1, 2024,” Henderson said. “The bids received reflect the contractor’s increased cost of doing business resulting from current economic conditions. The proposed year-one assessment reflects the increase in contract collection rates.”
Next fiscal year, which starts in October, the rate goes to $337.33, he said. That’s a 63.35% increase in the non-ad valorem annual assessment.
Curbside recycling will end on Oct. 1, and the last day to obtain wheeled recycling carts would be May 1.
Once recycling stops, customers can use the wheeled recycling carts for yard waste or trash or they can request the county remove it.
Residents who want a second 65-gallon roll cart would pay a $67 one-time fee. Starting Oct. 1, there will be no charge for using a second one.
By the summer, residents will see postcards explaining the new rates and pickup schedules once the days have been confirmed. Information will also go out in a social media campaign until December.
Henderson’s division will place stickers on roll carts to also provide pickup schedules.
To avoid confusion, the new trucks the county has obtained will be rebranded with the word recycling taken off. Although recycling at the landfill will continue.