Key West reports 17,000+ pounds of oyster shells diverted, expands compost and drop‑off options

Key West waste‑diversion staff reviewed recent program gains and new initiatives, including large volunteer efforts, an oyster‑shell diversion program, expanded composting, and a scheduled solid‑waste assessment increase. Staff highlighted partnerships with local establishments and statewide programs, and said outreach and drop‑off options are expanding for residents.

"So far we have diverted over 17,000 pounds of oyster shells out of the landfill in under 5 months," the Staff member said, pointing to strong early program uptake. The staff presenter also reported that one participating restaurant (the Hyatt Centric) is contributing about 100–150 pounds of food scraps per week through two weekly pickups and that the city is establishing a 24‑hour community drop‑off point at the Botanical Gardens requiring sign‑up codes.

Staff outlined an upcoming change to the residential solid‑waste assessment: homeowners were mailed notices that the assessment will increase by $19.65 per residential unit — from $393.08 in fiscal year '26 to $412.73 in fiscal year '27 — and noted this fee covers weekly garbage, recycling and yard‑waste service charged via a non‑ad‑valorem assessment. Staff also described outreach programs such as Adopt‑a‑Drain, election‑sign recycling, and the Skip‑the‑Stuff initiative to reduce single‑use items.

Questions from board members focused on adopt‑a‑drain logistics (how complaints are routed to SeeClickFix) and whether multiple people can claim the same drain; staff confirmed multiple volunteers can adopt a single drain and that SeeClickFix will route requests for city maintenance.