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SF 656

A bill for an act allowing property owners to temporarily opt out of solid waste collection and disposal services, and providing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Allows eligible homeowners to temporarily suspend city solid waste services for up to five months, with fee suspensions and required formal application.

Subcommittee Meeting: 01/21/2026 11:00AM Room 217 Conference Room.
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Bill Summary · SF 656

Summary of SF 656 (2025)

A bill to allow residential property owners to temporarily opt out of city-provided or city-contracted solid waste collection and disposal services, with conditions, fee suspensions during the opt-out, and related provisions.

What this bill would do (purpose)

  • Allow eligible residential property owners to temporarily suspend reliance on city-provided or city-contracted solid waste collection and disposal services for a defined period.
  • Require a formal application, limit the opt-out period, and suspend related service fees during the opt-out.
  • Establish conditions for eligibility, submission timing, and the need to amend the opt-out if ownership changes or if the owner wishes to opt back in earlier.

Key definitions

  • Opt-out period: The time frame during which a property owner temporarily discontinues city-provided or city-contracted solid waste services. The period may not exceed five consecutive months.
  • Solid waste collection and disposal services: Collection and disposal of refuse, sludge, and other discarded solid materials from residential activities. Excludes yard waste, bulky items, and specialized collections.
  • Eligible homestead: A residential property that qualifies for a homestead credit under chapter 425.

Eligibility and application process

  • A city council must allow a residential real property owner to opt out if all of the following are met: 1) The property is an eligible homestead receiving a homestead credit. 2) The owner submits a completed application requesting an opt-out period not exceeding five consecutive months. 3) The application is submitted at least eight weeks before the intended start of the opt-out period.
  • The city council must approve the application unless it was filed incorrectly or outside the required submission periods.

Fees and billing during opt-out

  • If the owner opts out, any city fees related to solid waste services are suspended during the opt-out period.
  • The suspended fee is to be the same amount charged to similar residential customers, based on information provided in the application.
  • The opt-out continues until the end date stated on the application unless an amended application is filed to opt back in earlier.

Ownership changes and amendments

  • If ownership of the property changes during the opt-out period, the property owner who filed the original application must file an amended application.
  • An amended application can specify an earlier restart date or otherwise modify the opt-out terms.

Administrative and timeline details

  • Introduced: May 9, 2025.
  • Legislative path: Referred to Ways and Means; placed on Ways and Means calendar; committee reports indicate approval.
  • Status as of latest action: Referred to Ways and Means (Mid-June 2025).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • For eligible homeowners, potential monthly savings during the opt-out period by suspending solid waste service fees.
  • Municipal and utility planning implications, including revenue adjustments, staffing, and logistics for periods of opt-outs within a community.
  • The bill excludes certain categories (yard waste, bulky items, specialized collections), focusing the opt-out on standard residential solid waste services.
  • The proposal’s fiscal impact would depend on how many properties opt out and the resulting effect on municipal revenue and street/field operations during opt-out windows.

Bottom line

SF 656 creates a defined, limited mechanism for residential property owners to temporarily decline city-provided or city-contracted solid waste services, with fee suspensions during the opt-out, strict eligibility criteria, and a formal process for applying, amending, and reverting to service. The bill is currently progressing through the Ways and Means committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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