It seems that every day Market Snapshot's photographer visits a neighborhood, it is garbage-pickup day. Argh! Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 9-13-2016.

Trash Talk: Is your garbage fee going up?

The federal government may shut down this weekend, but that ain’t gonna stop local governments from starting their own fiscal years on time.

For some area residents, that’ll mean an increase to their monthly or annual garbage and recycling fees. Here is a look at some of the charges:

Sarasota

In the Sarasota city limits, residential rates will increase $1 to $22.66 per month for the 96-gallon trash cart collected weekly by the city.

Commercial rates will increase almost $7 to $30.89 per month for that same sized cart.

City rates haven’t been adjusted since 2010, when they went down $3 and pickups were reduced to once per week for residential customers, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown said. Since then residents have paid more than commercial businesses, which still have twice-weekly pickups, so the rate changes will shift the balance back to businesses, he said.

Venice

Rates will increase 5 percent for residents and businesses within the Venice city limits.

Residential customers will see a 48-cent increase to $10.04 per month, in a new fee schedule approved by city leaders this week. The city’s recycling charge also will increase 36 cents to $7.64 per month.

Commercial rates vary a ton (get it?!) based on whether a property owns its own dumpster, rents its waste container and how the bin must be handled when trash is collected, but every fee is being adjusting the same, so just add 5 percent to what you pay now, city Public Works Director John Veneziano said.

Sarasota County

Unincorporated county rates will not increase. The county levies an annual assessment of $159.48 per single family home or $134.94 per multi-family residential unit, like an apartment.

North Port

City leaders endorsed keeping municipal rates the same in the coming year, for the ninth year in a row. The city charges a $249 annual assessment.

Manatee County

Rates will not increase this year after an increase in November raised the solid waste portion of residents utility bill by 72 cents to $14.33 per month.

meet the writer

Zach Murdock

the latest

Derek occasionally gets homework assignments from daycare. It mostly consists of him learning how to trace his own name, and some very simple math problems – simple if you’re way above the age of 4, that it is. But it’s homework nonetheless. And we want Derek to know the importance of school, especially since he’ll … MORE>>
10. “Rides are always free,” drivers say. “Tips are always appreciated.” 9. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 8. Call 941-444-2585 for an iRide. (Soon there will be a Gotcha app for smartphones.) There are no set routes; you can hail any of the colorful electric vehicles you see on the street. 7. The downtown service area extends … MORE>>
Derek has decided he wants to be a firefighter when he gets older. Keep in mind he’s 4 and he can’t decide what color pajamas he wants to wear to bed. So that may change. But the good thing is I have used this to our advantage. Derek wants to grow and big to become … MORE>>
OMG, OMG, OMG! Fans are finally getting to see the first teaser trailer for the latest Star Wars film. The trailer was officially released at “Star Wars Celebration” in Orlando today. “The Last Jedi” (Episode VIII) will be in theaters on December 15.   The offical poster has also been released.         … MORE>>
Apparently, today is National Beer Day. April 7th is the celebration of when beer became legal again in the United States after the Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt on March 23, 1933. Sounds like it may have caught on as National Beer Day in 2009, when Justin Smith of Richmond, … MORE>>
Thanks to the city of Sarasota, Lido Beach just got a bright new addition: a cerulean marker displaying how high sea levels are projected to rise in the next 100 years. Here’s the thing–the facts are scary. We said it. To name just a few: In less than 15 years, by 2030, sea levels are … MORE>>
I hate eggs. Hate them. You can scramble them, poach them, make them sunny side up, and then you can go ahead and stuff yourself because I want nothing to do with them. I have a hard time watching people eat eggs. I liked French toast until someone told me it was nothing more than … MORE>>
Ringling College of Art + Design will be showcasing the best work in each major, in the annual Best of Ringling. The outstanding student work was selected by a jury of visiting artists and faculty members. The majors include: Advertising Design 
Business of Art and Design Computer Animation Film Fine Arts 
Game Art Graphic Design … MORE>>
It’s rare to see eight female filmmakers lined up in a row discussing their short film and documentary work–mostly because it’s rare to see eight women filmmakers together in one room at all. But that’s exactly what we saw Saturday evening at the reception for the 18th annual Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival, highlighting women … MORE>>
Tomorrow is April Fools’ Day. I’m sure social media will be a minefield of shenanigans. There are some do’s and don’ts to follow. Do: Make your prank harmless. Don’t: Trust anyone. Good luck. MORE>>