Officials from the City of Sebastian may have found a way to reduce trash collection costs for residents, lowering rates from $19.45 to $14.02 per month.
Earlier this week, Sebastian Daily learned that Indian River County had reached a new contract agreement with Waste Management. This contract includes a “piggyback” clause, allowing other municipalities to share the county’s new rates, which will take effect in October 2025.
Many residents have complained about the once-per-week pickup service, but under the county’s contract, the service frequency would remain the same if the city does piggyback.
During last night’s city council meeting, Mayor Ed Dodd mentioned the city plans to talk with the county and said more information would be forthcoming. County officials have expressed their desire for municipalities to benefit from the new trash collection contract. However, the choice to piggyback is ultimately up to Waste Management.
The current contract between Sebastian and Waste Management can be terminated without cause, after former City Manager Paul Carlisle negotiated a 120-day No-Cause notice. This straightforward process allows the city to explore other options.
Last year, councilman Bob McPartlan proposed exploring the cost of Sebastian handling its own trash collection service. However, the City of Vero Beach manages its own collection and has struggled to compete with Waste Management, which offers a starting pay of $10 more per hour, along with a sign-on bonus and additional benefits.
Sebastian City Manager Brian Benton wants to discuss the new rates with Waste Management and present the information at a future City Council meeting. He plans to talk with county officials on Tuesday.
