Cash For Trash
"It would be really devastating."
- Phyllis Smith, Former Executive Director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce
Private companies are in business to make money. And private landfills are no different. The problem is this: Landfills make a profit at the expense of the surrounding community.
Allowing a 1,069-acre, 220-ft. pile of trash in Pasco County will have very real negative economic consequences for the community. That’s because landfills come with odor problems, increased traffic, nuisance animals, and noise. Public studies have shown that increased traffic, roadside litter, odors and industrial landscapes take away from the beauty and enjoyment of the surrounding property, which means our land value will drop. The question is: how far? Various studies indicate it can be from 3-12% or more!
"It's going to impact the entire community." - Dwaine Bush, Nurseryman/Property Owner
Although these impacts are clear to nearby landowners and businesses, there are other consequences that are not as obvious.
The viability of the county’s solid waste program may be at stake. We run the risk of a price war between Pasco’s two landfills. If the private landfill had lower prices than Pasco, the County would loose business and income, which could impact every taxpayer.
Businesses in the region will also feel the effects. The landfill, even without a disaster or accident, would reduce revenues to businesses and reduce profitability since customers will seek out more pleasing surroundings. If a sinkhole or accident were to occur, the effects would be even more devastating. That’s why the Dade City Chamber of Commerce and real estate and citrus industries have already voiced their concerns.