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1. Why are solid waste rates increasing?

Like any service, there are costs to providing that service. Solid waste collection services are no different.  The major expenses for the rendering of solid waste collection services are costs to purchase and maintain vehicles and containers, fuel, disposal costs, and personnel expenses.  All the expenses within the solid waste collection industry increase every year and since 2008 they have increased on average of 35%, while there has been no rate increase to DFB residents and businesses since 2008. Solid waste collections are part of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.  This fund is meant to be self-supporting, meaning that it should generate revenues that cover the expenses to provide the services.

As expenses have gone up every year the revenues are no longer sufficient to cover the expenses.  This has caused the Fund to exhibit a net deficit fund balance.  This deficit has continued to grow over the last few years and two external auditing agencies have recently advised that the rates are no longer sufficient to generate enough revenues to cover the existing and projected expenses to provide for the solid waste collection services. 

The City hired a financial consultant to conduct a rate sufficiency analysis for the Solid Waste Fund in 2019, then again in 2022. That study was completed in the summer of 2022 and recommended a 5-year rate plan for multiple rate increases to become effective on October 1, 2022. 

On October 27, 2022, a public workshop was held to present the findings and recommendations of the solid waste rate sufficiency study.  

On December 6, 2022, a follow-up presentation was provided at the regular city commission meeting.  At that time the commission voted to approve the five-year solid waste rate plan. 

The approved 5-year solid waste schedule can be found by visiting Solid Waste Rate Schedule.

2. When will the rates increase?

The approved multi-year solid waste rates will go into effect on January 1, 2023. Rates will then adjust according to the Solid Waste Rate Schedule and every October 1st the start of the City’s fiscal year. The last approved increase under the currently approved rate plan will occur on October 1, 2027.    

3. Why are rates increasing now?

Although there is never a good time to increase rates, due to increasing expenses, the solid waste fund can no longer sustain its current services with the existing rates.  Solid waste rates have not been increased in over 14 years, while expenses have increased over 35% during that period. 

4. What will be the impact on my bill?

The approved five-year solid waste rate plan can be found here: Solid Waste Rate Schedule 

An average single-family residential customer will see an increase of $1.34 a month for service or an increase of $16.08 for the first year. 

Although this is an increase, it is still less than what the average resident was paying for single-family residential solid waste services prior to 2015 when single-family rates were reduced.  

Even with the rate increases, Deerfield Beach maintains one of the lowest residential rates in all of Broward County for the level of services that are provided.

Commercial, multifamily and roll-off customers' rates will vary depending on their level of service as well as other charges.

5. What has been done to avoid increases?

Since 2008, the Solid Waste Division has taken numerous steps to reduce its expenses and maximize its revenues which is in large part why the fund has been able to sustain its program without rate increases for over 14 years. 

Multiple measures have been taken over this time.  The main actions were to reduce routes, reduce personnel, enhance our billing to maximize revenues, suspend an expensive and ineffective curbside recycling program and switch to a more sustainable and cost-effective fuel source in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

6. What would happen if the rates were not increased?

The Solid Waste Fund’s net position would continue to go into a deficit.  Although the Fund as an enterprise should be self-sufficient, without adequate revenues to support its operations it would then require outside funding and support.  This would result in funding transfers from the General Fund (which impacts the millage rate), loans, or funding from other sources. There would also continue to be negative findings from auditors regarding the condition of the fund.  These negative findings would negatively impact the City’s financial credit ratings and other financial aspects of the City. 

7. What if I cannot pay my bill?

Customers who may have challenges paying their new bill can contact our office by email to solidwastecsrv@deerfield-beach.com or by phone at 954-480-4391.

8. How do I contact the Solid Waste Division if I have other questions?

The best way to get in touch with our solid waste customer service team is via email at: solidwastecsrv@deerfield-beach.com 

Customers can also contact the Solid Waste Division by phone at: 954-480-4391.