Solid waste fee added for Sarasota residents, businesses

Beginning Aug. 1, a fee of $3.63 was added to monthly solid waste invoices for commercial and residential customers in the city to fund a new Natural Disaster Collection Reserve. The fund will help ensure the city is prepared to respond quickly after an emergency event.

The user fee will support rapid debris removal following a hurricane or other natural disaster. The need for immediately available funds to provide timely contractor payments was demonstrated in the aftermath of the 2024 hurricane season.

The fee is intended to raise $5 million for the reserve fund over the next seven years. Questions about the new Natural Disaster Reserve should be directed to the Solid Waste Division at 941-263-6170.