Who is charged the solid waste fee?
The solid waste fee is charged to:
*Single-family detached homes
*Townhomes
*Duplexes (2 units)
*Triplexes (3 units)
*Quadplexes (4 units)
*Mobile homes (less than 4 units on one parcel)
Properties with more than 4 units, apartment complexes, condominiums, mobile home parks and non-residential properties are each handled differently. Please contact the Solid Waste Division at (904) 387-8837 or visit Solid Waste's Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Return to Top of Page
How did you determine what I owe?
In 2009, the fee per residence is $4 per month January through September, and $5 per month October through December = $51.
The fees will increase by $1 each October 1 until 2014.
Return to Top of Page
How do I pay the solid waste fee?
Bill payment may be made either by mail or at one of the Tax Collector's branch offices.
Checks may be made payable to the City of Jacksonville and mailed to:
City of Jacksonville
231 E. Forsyth St., Room 130
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Please include your Account Number on your check or if using an Auto BillPay service.
Return to Top of Page
What happens if I don't pay the solid waste fee?
Late fees of 1 percent per month will be assessed on the first of the month immediately following the bill's due date. For example, if your bill is due on July 31, late payment penalties would be assessed on August 1.
Continued failure to pay may result in referral to a collections agency or a lien placed on the property with unpaid fees. While the lien cannot result in foreclosure, it will continue to accrue interest, and will have to be paid in full prior to the transfer of title/ownership.
Return to Top of Page
I generate little to no waste. Why am I being charged the same as other people?
Jacksonville does not base the solid waste fee on volume. The overall cost to provide residential collection service for household garbage, yard waste and recycling is divided equally among all possible residential users. This unit-price based approach discourages illegal dumping and ensures that all residential properties receive the same service, regardless of the amount of waste generated at any given time.
Return to Top of Page
Is there any way to get my solid waste fee discounted or reduced?
Possibly. You may be exempted from the solid waste fee if you can prove you already pay for service from a private hauler.
The solid waste fee may be adjusted to account for periods of time when the residence(s) is/are unoccupied ("vacant"), or if you are charged under an incorrect property type.
Visit the Adjustments, Exemptions and Credits page to learn more.
Return to Top of Page
Will I still owe the stormwater fee if I am exempted from the solid waste fee?
Yes, unless you also successfully apply for a stormwater fee exemption. However, it will be a rare occurrance that a property owner would qualify to be exempt from both the stormwater fee AND the solid waste fee.
Return to Top of Page
Why should I have to pay separately for garbage collection?
Jacksonville spends approximately $14 per residence to collect residential garbage, yard waste and recycling. The city instituted the solid waste fee to ensure government would continue to provide that service, while at the same time diversifying the city's revenue stream. All property owners in Jacksonville are now paying directly for their garbage, yard waste and recycling collection.
Return to Top of Page
Will I experience a difference in service?
The collection schedule and waste haulers that service your area remain as they did before the fee went into effect.
Return to Top of Page