Solid Waste Rate Changes Explained

Ensuring Continued Reliable, Efficient, and Affordable Service

Reliable trash and recycling services are essential to maintaining public health, safety, and quality of life in Bartow by preventing waste buildup, reducing pollution, and keeping our streets clean. The current schedule of rate increases—the first since 2011—are necessary to cover rising costs for fuel, equipment, and landfill fees. These adjustments will ensure the City can continue providing dependable waste and recycling services for all residents.

Why did rates change?

The costs of providing services have continued to rise. To ensure continued, reliable service, the City is adjusting rates to cover expenses like fuel, equipment, and landfill fees.

What Does This Mean for You?

For Residential Customers:

In 2024, rates increased  by about $5 to $7 per month. Additional smaller adjustments are occurring annually  through 2029.

For Commercial Customers:

Businesses saw larger initial increases. Rates for a 4-cubic-yard dumpster with one pick-up per week increased from $86.40 to $120.97. They rose again in October 2025 to $169.36

solid waste charts

The charts above show that even with rate adjustments, Bartow’s solid waste services remain competitively priced with services in neighboring communities.

How Will This Benefit Our Community?

These investments are critical to keeping Bartow’s solid waste services efficient and affordable. By replacing aging equipment and building a new operations facility, the City is ensuring reliable service for years while avoiding costly disruptions or repairs.

Ensuring Public Health and Safety

Proper waste management is essential for public health and quality of life. Reliable trash collection helps keep our neighborhoods clean and reduces pollution, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Did you know?

  • Prior to 2024, the last time rates were adjusted: 2011
  • Average age of trucks in fleet: 7 years
  • Subsidies received from the City to fund operations: $0, Bartow’s solid waste services
  • must be self-sufficient
  • Number of customer accounts served: nearly 8,000
  • Weight of recycled materials processed each week: 15-20 tons