ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — The City of St. Augustine Beach is helping St. Johns County with yard waste collection less than a week after county commissioners terminated the multi-million-dollar contract with its new trash hauler, FCC Environmental Services, following weeks of service disruptions.
"FCC, the solid waste company responsible for yard debris, household waste and recycling collection, has failed to meet their obligations for St. Johns County," said Mayor Dylan Rumrell.
The St. Augustine Beach Public Works Department was out on Saturday and Sunday, managing trash pickup for sections of Anastasia Island.
"This decisive action underscores our commitment to working together effectively and ensuring that our community receives the essential services it deserves during emergencies," Rumrell said.
On Tuesday, the St. Johns Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to terminate FCC's seven-year contract, which paid $28.2 million for the first year.
The hauler started servicing St. Johns County on Aug. 1 and within the first week, county inspectors documented more than 5,000 missed trash collections.
The service interruptions prompted outrage throughout the community, including among county commissioners.
"There was a breach of contract from day one, and you left us during a hurricane. You have created in our community a public safety and a public health crisis," said St. Johns Board of Commissioners Chair Sarah Arnold during the Tuesday meeting. "I personally can say I have lost all trust in FCC, I believe the majority of our residents would feel the same way."
It is unclear when the county will select a new, permanent trash provider.
FCC is still set to take over trash services in Clay County on Oct. 1.
The Clay County Board of County Commissioners assured residents it has communicated its expectations with FCC to ensure there is a smooth transition in October.