Will Manatee County’s new trash plan cost some residents more money?

Some services will cost residents more money once Manatee County changes its trash collection strategy on Oct. 6.

The monthly waste collection fee of $23.65 isn’t rising, and residents will receive a new larger bin for free, which is 4 inches taller and 1 inch wider than the current bin.

However, putting out excess trash in personal containers or placing items like mattresses and couches on the curb is no longer permitted unless a bulk pickup is scheduled. This will cost $59 per item and needs to be scheduled ahead of time. If you want an additional bin, it’ll cost $13.32 per month.

Pickups will occur once per week instead of twice, and garbage collectors hanging off the back of the trucks will be replaced with a new automated pickup system.

These changes are happening due to rising waste collection costs and the county’s struggle to maintain staff.