Solid Waste Department proposes $77M landfill expansion and 7.8% rate increase

In a recent workshop held by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Solid Waste Management Department laid out its plans and challenges for the upcoming years, focusing on a proposed budget for 2026. Damien Trammell, the department director, presented a comprehensive overview of the solid waste system, which serves over 325,000 single-family homes and manages approximately 1.2 million services weekly.

Trammell emphasized the department's commitment to creating a sustainable and financially responsible waste management system. However, he highlighted significant challenges, particularly the urgent need for landfill expansion. The current landfill section is projected to reach capacity by 2030, necessitating a costly expansion estimated at $77 million. This expansion is crucial to accommodate the growing population, which adds about 5,000 new customers annually, leading to increased waste generation.

The workshop revealed a staggering 38% increase in landfill volume in 2024, attributed partly to the temporary closure of the Tampa disposal facility and the impact of Hurricane Milton. This surge underscores the pressing need for expansion, as failure to act could result in the county needing to transport waste to other sites, potentially doubling disposal costs.

To address these challenges, Trammell proposed a 7.8% rate increase for fiscal year 2026, which would translate to an annual increase of approximately $37.33 for residents. This increase is designed to fund the landfill expansion and cover rising operational costs. Future projections indicate additional rate increases of 6% for the following two years.

In an effort to mitigate future costs, the department is exploring the development of a renewable natural gas plant, which would generate revenue without burdening taxpayers. Additionally, changes to the volume of free services offered at waste facilities are being considered to further alleviate financial pressures.

The Board plans to revisit these discussions on June 4, with a public hearing scheduled for August 6 to adopt the proposed rates and fees. As Hillsborough County navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring public health and safety while maintaining a robust waste management system for its residents.