Hillsborough Garbage Fees Jump $40 for Most Homes

Hillsborough County commissioners approved a 9.2% increase in residential solid waste fees in a 5-2 vote on August 21, 2024, raising the annual cost for single-family homes from $437 to $477. Commissioners Ken Hagan and Josh Wostal opposed the measure. The fee covers twice-weekly curbside garbage pickup, weekly recycling and yard waste collection in unincorporated Hillsborough County, portions of New Tampa and Tampa Palms within Tampa city limits—but excludes the rest of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, according to county records and the Hillsborough County Solid Waste website (hcfl.gov). The new rates took effect October 1, 2024, and are assessed annually each November on property tax bills for the period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, as detailed in the county's 2026 Solid Waste Residential Assessment FAQs. The increase supports upgrading aging solid waste facilities, including the waste-to-energy plant, household hazardous waste centers, yard waste processing sites and the landfill, per county press releases. Existing discounts for seniors—reducing the disposal assessment to $139.39 annually from $208.60—and hardship benefits for lower-income families have been extended to offset the hike, according to the county's Trash & Recycling Fees page. Homeowners must apply for the senior discount to qualify. A separate change looms for residents using the Southeast County Landfill at 15960 County Road 672 in Lithia: Starting June 1, 2026, residential customers will pay commercial per-ton disposal fees of $104 per ton, ending the previous property tax bill coverage for trash and tires, as announced in a March 23, 2026, county newsroom release. For example, 300 pounds of garbage will cost $15.60. County staff have proposed a further 4.3% increase—about $22 annually—for FY27 residential solid waste assessments, with a public hearing set for June 3, per board records. Residents in affected areas should check their November property tax bills for exact impacts.