I have always believed in paying my fair share for the services I use as a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. But the proposed increase in solid waste fees from $12.65 to $32 per month by 2027 feels anything but fair. This substantial hike places an undue financial burden on the city's residents, who are already feeling the pinch of rising costs in many other aspects of life.

FACTS

Waste Volume and Cost Disparity:

• Average household produces about 3.175 tons of waste annually
• Under the new rates, residents will pay $384/year for this amount
• Commercial entities pay only $96.20 for the same 3.175 tons ($30.30 × 3.175)

This means residents are charged at a much higher rate per ton than businesses

Below-Average Commercial Rates:

• Jacksonville's commercial tipping fee ($30.30/ton) is significantly lower than state averages
• Construction debris fee ($22.71/ton) is less than a third of the state average ($76.23)
• These artificially low rates shift the cost burden to residents

Stagnant Commercial Fees:

• Commercial tipping fees have increased by only 43 cents since 2008
• This hasn't kept pace with inflation or rising operational costs
• The recent $1/ton increase to $15.60 is still far below market rates

This increase seems particularly inequitable when you consider the facts surrounding commercial waste management.

While the residential waste fees are set to rise steeply, commercial tipping fees have remained nearly stagnant, increasing by just 43 cents since 2008.

This glaring disparity strongly suggests that Jacksonville's residents are unwittingly subsidizing these artificially low costs for businesses. This is not just a matter of higher costs, it is a matter of fairness and justice for every household paying their waste management fees.

A more equitable approach to waste management costs is not only necessary but achievable. The city should consider alternate ways to distribute the financial responsibilities more fairly between residents and commercial entities. This could include adjusting commercial tipping fees to reflect the true cost of waste management, thereby relieving residents from bearing a disproportionate share of the financial burden.

I'm calling on the City of Jacksonville to reconsider this planned fee increase.

Let's explore and implement fairer, more balanced solutions that don't put unnecessary strain on the city's residents.

This is a call to action for all Jacksonville residents who feel the pinch of these proposed increases.

Sign this petition to urge our local government officials to take a more equitable approach in handling waste management costs. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a fair financial future for all residents of Jacksonville.

Want to write city council directly?
Letter templates provided along with local resources and easy to follow fact sheet availble here