Everyone wants curbside recycling to resume, but would you pay more to get it?
Jacksonville suspended the service almost four months ago, leaving residents to either dump their recyclables into the garbage or haul them to pickup sites.
Meanwhile, many other Florida cities — with higher fees — have kept recycling going.
Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci is proposing two steps to resolve the situation:
- Expedite the process of reviewing waste pickup rates from contractors.
- Take another look at the solid waste fees we all pay.
The current rate per residence is $12.65 per month, or $151.80 per year. City Council has not increased the fee since 2010, Carlucci says.
"Due to that shortfall, the city now has a loan that will reach $31 million this fiscal year. Council must seriously consider a reevaluation of those fees and a remedy for what has become a ‘pay now or pay later’ scenario.”
The city’s chief financial officer is tasked with reviewing fees annually and suggesting changes to the council.
“Perhaps now council is ready to take this step,” Carlucci said.
In the meantime, he’s inviting council members, waste contractors and city administrators to hear from the public at two upcoming town halls on the issue of waste collection:
Monday, January 31, at 6:45 p.m.
West Branch Library
1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville 32221
Co-hosts: Councilwoman Randy DeFoor, Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson and Councilman Randy White
Tuesday, February 15, at 7 p.m.
Chapel Hall at Arlington Baptist Church
6009 Arlington Road, Jacksonville 32211
Co-host: Councilwoman Joyce Morgan
Mark your calendar, or email Carlucci with your thoughts at mcarlucci@coj.net.
