Manatee County directs staff to design zoned monthly bulk pickup, adds annual on‑call option

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 10 directed staff to design a new solid‑waste approach that would give every resident one zoned curbside bulk‑pickup day each month (two items per household) and to return with proposed rates and implementation details.

Pat Shea, the county utilities director, told commissioners the current user‑pay system rolled out in October 2025 reduced missed pickups but left residents struggling with the $59 on‑call bulk fee and once‑weekly collection. Staff presented options including reinstating twice‑weekly collection (at a materially higher monthly charge), subscription services, quarterly pickups, and a monthly zoned model that was estimated at about $0.96 per customer per month (about $11–$12 per year) to cover two items per month. Shea said that option would replace community cleanup events and could be implemented quickly because haulers already have the equipment and routing capacity.

Commissioners debated tradeoffs for rural districts, where yard waste and bulk needs differ from denser neighborhoods. Commissioner Amanda Ballard said pairing a low‑cost monthly program with an on‑call annual bulky‑pickup option would help households with occasional large cleanouts while reducing roadside dumping. Commissioner Carol Ann Feltz asked staff to clarify what constitutes a “bulk item” and to design guidelines so residents understand limits and avoid unexpected charges.

The board voted unanimously to direct staff to return with a rate proposal for a monthly zoned curbside bulk pickup (two items) and an on‑call annual subsidized bulk pickup option, and to include implementation details and an FAQ for residents. The county will retain the existing $59 special‑pickup option for customers who need immediate service outside the scheduled program.

Next steps: staff will negotiate final terms with franchise haulers, produce draft rate language and an FAQ, and return to the board with an implementation timetable and recommended customer communications.