ST. CLOUD, Fla. – As of October 1, residents of St. Cloud are seeing an increase in their monthly trash collection fees.

The new rate for residential curbside trash pickup is set at $33.16 per month. City officials have announced plans to continue raising this fee by approximately 3% each year for the next two years. This adjustment is intended to accommodate the city’s growth and support necessary maintenance efforts.

For residents dealing with larger waste items, the St. Cloud Transfer Station on Peghorn Way is recommended as a more economical option.

Residents like Yohanne Pimental have expressed a preference for using the facility, finding it more cost-effective than curbside services for disposing of bulky waste, which typically incurs charges based on weight.

“The cost keeps rising, and I’m not pleased about it,” Pimental remarked.

Pimental also hopes that some of the increased revenue will be directed toward maintaining garbage trucks, noting an unsightly rust-colored stain on the street in front of his home, which he suspects is from a collection vehicle.

“It really worries people not knowing what’s being leaked and disposed in their neighborhoods,” he said.

Andrew Sullivan, Senior Public Information Manager for the City of St. Cloud, said the city has budgeted $1.3 million for fleet maintenance this year.

“We’re spending money. We have received already two new side loading trash trucks. We’re actually looking to purchase three more to complement our fleet,” said Sullivan. He acknowledged that stains or leaks from trash collection vehicles occur occasionally and said the causes range from leaking waste to mechanical issues. He advised residents who observe such incidents to contact the city.

The city website provides additional information about the trash collection system and current disposal fees.