INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The cost of garbage collection in unincorporated areas and in Indian River Shores will be going up beginning October 2025.

Trash collection will increase about 25% and recycling will more than double, at 122%.

The County Commission Tuesday approved a new 10-year contract with Waste Management — its current garbage hauler — extending the current garbage-collection service until 2035. The universal service will require every property owner to take part.

"The county is growing," said County Commissioner Joe Flescher. "Universal service at this price makes far more sense than subscription because everybody has the opportunity to have their trash removed. This is also the most fair option and it will enhance our recycling program."

Was the decision fair?

Everyone involved, though, wasn't happy with the decision. FCC Environmental Services, one of the five companies that bid on the contract, raised concerns about the commission's choice.

"We want to express that we feel the integrity of this process has been violated," FCC representative Rob Canciamille told commissioners after they had picked Waste Management. "We ask that the county cancels this process and start fresh."

Solid Waste Department Director Himanshu Mehta disagreed.

"I stand behind our procurement process, and I stand behind the direction by the board," Mehta said after the meeting. "They (FCC) had an equal opportunity just like any other company. Waste Management ultimately provided the best pricing."
New prices

Subscribed residents currently pay $11.16 per month for Waste Management trash collection and $2.06 for recycling.

Beginning October 2025, all county residents will pay pay $14.02 monthly for garbage service and $4.58 for recycling.

"Waste Management was the lowest bidder," said County Commission Chair Susan Adams. "At the end of the day, we got a really low price."

Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.