Coastal Waste holds open houses, prepares to begin county service

Coastal Waste and Recycling held Open Houses at The Lake House in Spring Hill on December 2 and at the Ridge Manor Community Center on December 3, offering a hands on transition briefing for Hernando County residents one month before the company begins providing curbside collection. Coastal won the county contract in May 2025 after outbidding Republic Services, a change that will alter who bills some households while leaving tax funded service arrangements intact.

Attendance was strong at the Lake House event, where the parking lot filled before the start time and Coastal and county staff staffed tables with sign in sheets, snacks and informational materials. Large posters around the room explained yard waste rules, bulk waste procedures, recycling guidance and holiday closures. Coastal staff projected a county map to help residents locate their addresses and pickup days, while employees circulated with tablets to assist individuals one on one. Organizers said attendees were patient and engaged throughout the sessions.

Outreach and Education Supervisor Liana Teague said two of the most frequent questions were, "Will my pickup days remain the same?" and "How do I transfer my service, or is it automatic, and do I pay Coastal?" Teague said some pickup days will remain the same, but because the county is divided into zones residents should verify their schedules with Coastal staff or online. She encouraged anyone who could not attend the Open Houses to consult Coastal for specific information.

The transition has different implications depending on how residents pay for service. If your waste collection is universal and paid through county taxes, service will continue without action. If you currently pay Republic Services via a quarterly subscription, you will need to contact Coastal to set up a subscription and payment, because Coastal cannot access Republic Services records to transfer accounts.

For schedule questions or to set up service, Coastal provides online and email support at www.coastalwasteinc.com/hernando-county and hernandocounty@coastalwasteinc.com. The Open Houses offered practical guidance for the transition, and officials urged residents to confirm pickup days and payment arrangements now to avoid missed collections after the changeover.