County decides against mandatory trash service

The Santa Rosa County Commission voted unanimously to go ahead with plans for single-provider solid waste services in Gulf Breeze and Navarre without requiring residents to participate.

Some residents had lobbied the commission to make the service mandatory to reduce illegal dumping. Only the trash haulers contracted with the county will be able to serve homes in the 32563 and 32566 ZIP code areas (unincorporated Gulf Breeze and Navarre, respectively). Residents who choose not to use the county's contractor will be responsible for disposing of their garbage. Residents who supported making the service mandatory argued that people would be more likely to use the service if they are required to pay for it.

Commission Chairman Lane Lynchard said the commission can amend its solid waste ordinance to require mandatory participation if it sees an increase in illegal dumping.

Nine solid waste companies responded to the county's request for proposals. The commission interviewed and ranked five finalists in February and directed staff to negotiate three-year contracts with Waste Management and Waste Pro. Waste Management, the higher-ranked firm, has chosen to serve the more populous Navarre area.

Based on the firms' original proposals, Lynchard said residents in the franchise areas can expect to pay about $52 a quarter for twice-weekly garbage pickup, weekly recycling, yard debris removal every two weeks and bulk-item pickup on demand. Commissioners hope to have the contracts completed in time to begin single-provide service July 1.