Solid Waste assessment
Port St. Lucie residents pay for trash and recycling once a year through their property tax bill. The solid waste assessment covers two parts, collection and disposal.
Collection: The increase for collection is approximately $14 for the upcoming year. This equals about a little more than $1 a month. The collection portion of the increase reflects inflationary costs required to continue safe and reliable service. This is required and is set by our contract with FCC Environmental Services to collect garbage, recycling and yard waste.
Disposal: The increase for disposal is approximately $6 for the upcoming year. This increase equals about 50 cents a month. This increase is because the County raised costs for disposal fees at the landfill starting October 1, 2025. The City was able to negotiate a better disposal rate than the amount that the County originally proposed, which saved about $45 per Port St. Lucie household.
The total assessment increase is $20.89, bringing the annual assessment to $467.33 from $446.44.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the assessment amount increasing?
Part of this increase is a contractual obligation that is based on the City’s solid waste franchise agreement with FCC Environmental Services, LLC. This is standard for solid waste contracts throughout the country, and covers the increased costs for labor, equipment, vehicle maintenance, fuel and disposal costs. The other part of the increase is because St. Lucie County raised disposal fees at the landfill.
Why did I receive an assessment notice in the mail?
These notices are required by state law.
What is a non-ad valorem assessment?
Non-ad valorem assessments are fees for specific services, such as stormwater and solid waste. The amount you pay is not based on your property's value. However, it is billed separately on your property tax bill.
Do I need to respond to this notice or appear at the Public Hearing?
No. This notice is required to provide information.
Are these new assessments?
No. This is an existing annual assessment for solid waste collection, disposal and recycling services.
If this notice is “Not a Bill,” when is the assessment billed?
Assessments will be billed via your property tax bill.
Why is there a “not to exceed” dollar amount on my notice for $513.70?
You will not receive another paper notice in the mail until the proposed assessment exceeds $513.70. The City Council must approve any future increases from contract terms at a public hearing.