WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Winter Garden residents will pay more for solid waste service beginning Oct. 1 as the city begins a five-year rate plan aimed at keeping up with projected costs.
The monthly rate for a standard 95-gallon residential cart will increase from $24.87 to $26.61, a difference of $1.74 a month, or about $21 a year.
summary of proposed rates (https://wintergardenfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/528/files/attachment/1560)
The increase, however, is not a one-time change. Under the city’s rate schedule, the monthly cost of a 95-gallon cart is set to increase to $27.54 in fiscal year 2028, $28.50 in 2029, $29.50 in 2030 and $30.09 in 2031.
Some neighbors said they weren’t thrilled about paying more but weren’t surprised by the increase.
“It has to go up because all costs are going up,” Winter Garden resident Sarah Wolfe said.
A city-commissioned solid waste rate study found that revenue from the city’s current rates would not be enough to cover projected expenses through 2031. Without adjustments, the study projects the solid waste system would begin experiencing a revenue shortfall in fiscal year 2027.
The study identifies personnel, disposal fees, vehicle maintenance, fuel and equipment leases among the system’s major operating expenses. Overall operating expenses are projected to grow from about $7.4 million in fiscal year 2027 to about $8.4 million by fiscal year 2031.
The additional revenue is also intended to help pay for equipment and maintain reserves, including a proposed emergency fund for debris removal after major storms. The study recommends building that storm reserve to $750,000.
Smaller cart offers a lower-cost option
Residents who don’t need the larger cart will have another option.
Winter Garden plans to offer a 65-gallon cart for $24.87 a month — the same monthly price residents currently pay for the standard 95-gallon cart. The smaller cart’s rate is scheduled to remain at $24.87 through fiscal year 2028 before increasing to $25.33 in fiscal year 2029.
“We have a choice of getting a smaller waste can, which will cost us just a little bit less,” one resident said.
The city’s consultant estimated that up to 5% of residential customers could choose the smaller cart.
Businesses will also see higher rates. The rate study recommended an 18.9% increase for commercial cart service and a 5.58% increase for customers using commercial and multifamily dumpsters.
The revised solid waste fee schedule takes effect Oct. 1, 2026. Resolution 26-07
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