OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MATT CARLUCCI, SR. CITY HALL AT ST. JAMES
COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE, GROUP 4 117 WEST DUVAL STREET
OFFICE (904) 255-5218 4TH FLOOR, SUITE 425
E-MAIL: MCarlucci@coj.net JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Solid Waste Fee
When will I know how much the solid waste fee costs each year?
The solid waste fee will be set annually by the City Council either through separate legislation or
during the budget process. Residents will be informed of the rate through the separate legislation
or in the budget ordinance and when they receive their yearly property tax assessment.
How do I pay for the solid waste fee?
The fee will continue to appear on your property tax bill as a non-ad valorem assessment, which
can be paid through the same methods as your property taxes, including monthly escrow
payments.
If you do not have a mortgage, you will pay the solid waste fee to the tax collector in the same
manner that has been in place since 2010 and as you would your property taxes.
Do I get the early payment discount?
Yes, the solid waste fee qualifies for the early payment discount, similar to your property tax
assessment.
I can’t afford the service. Is there any way I can avoid paying for it?
If the proposed exemption program is passed, low-income residents who qualify could be exempt
from paying the solid waste fee.
When would I apply for assistance?
If the proposed exemption program is passed, applications would be available annually through
the same process used for the Stormwater Fee Exemption, administered by the City’s social
services department. More details will be provided once the program is implemented.
Does this include the Beaches and Baldwin?
Yes, the proposed exemption program would request the Mayor’s Office and the Office of
General Counsel coordinate with each Beach and Baldwin to create a process to include the
Beaches cities and Baldwin in the relief effort. The solid waste fee itself is only applicable to
City of Jacksonville customers, as the Beaches each have their own solid waste disposal fee.
How much will the City owe in loans if no action is taken?
If no action is taken, the solid waste loan is projected to grow to over $500 million by fiscal year
2031/32.
Can we pay for our residential garbage pickup with any of our other taxes?
No, due to agreements with the Beaches cities and Baldwin, ad valorem (property tax) dollars
cannot legally be used for residential garbage pickup. This restriction is why the City has
resorted to internal loans to cover the deficit, which must be repaid.
Why does the City have to use a loan to pay for garbage collection?
The current fee of $12.65 per month does not cover the cost of residential garbage pickup,
resulting in a $40 million annual deficit. The City must “loan” itself funds to make up for this
shortfall, as property tax dollars cannot legally be used.
How much does our garbage collection cost per household?
The Council Auditors have calculated the actual cost of residential garbage pickup to be $30.40
per month per household.
Did the City always have a solid waste fee?
The solid waste fee has been in place since 2008, during the term of Mayor John Peyton.
