Manatee County garbage bills increase by 65%

With a 65% rate increase that goes into effect Oct. 1, Manatee County residents will continue to have twice-weekly garbage pickup for another two years.

Manatee County officials said, however, once a week trash pickup is likely to be part of the next longterm contract with garbage handlers.

According to a presentation made by Manatee County staff members to county commissioners earlier this month, once a week pickup will likely be needed to streamline services and to keep rates affordable. 

“The once a week (pickup) allows us to have a lower price for customers,” Utilities Director Evan Pilachowski said. “More importantly, it allows us to align services so that garbage pickup, recycling and yard waste can all happen on the same day.”

Currently, various service trucks are on the streets four days a week. Pilachowski said aligning collection services will limit truck traffic through neighborhoods, which is better for both the environment and the wear and tear on the roads.  

On Aug. 22, commissioners extended a contract that has been in place since 2008, for two more years. 

While the extension doesn’t affect the services, monthly bills will rise from $14.33 to $23.65 as of Oct. 1. The cost for residential curbside collection is going up to $13.32 a month from $8.07 a month. Recycling collection is going up to $5.13 from $3.11, and yard trash collection is going up to $5.20 from $3.15 per month.

The county has also implemented a pilot program to inform the public about future long-term contract decisions and to test automated pickup using roll carts. The trial area runs from 57th Avenue south to 63rd Avenue and from 14th Street West to 15th Street East. 

Residents in the pilot program will pay the same rates as everyone else and be furnished with carts at no charge. But if a cart is damaged by anyone other than the collector, customers will be charged $60 for a replacement.