City Starts Search for New Garbage Collection Company

City staff is currently accepting bids from various companies as part of a search for new provider of waste collection and recycling services in the City of Newark.

City councilmembers unanimously voted at its Thursday meeting to authorize city staff to go forward with the search, according to City Clerk Sheila Harrington.

According to Thursday’s agenda, staff is aiming for a new contract to be established by June 1, 2013 and proposals must be submitted by September. City council is expected to award an agreement by December, according to the agenda.

Only one person spoke on the agenda item. Harrington said a representative from Allied Waste spoke to announce that the company will be submitting a proposal. Allied Waste provides waste collection services in neighboring Union City.

The City of Newark hired HF&H Consultants earlier this year to develop and distribute requests for proposals, review proposals and oversee implementation of services from the chosen company.

Staff recommended that the council look at other options after the city’s contract with Waste Management of Alameda County expired.

City council decided to extend the franchise agreement it has with Waste Management for one year in February. Waste Management’s new one-year contract includes a rate increase of approximately 24 percent that became effective on June 1, according to previous city documents.

The fee hike means an increase of a little more than $5 for typical 35-gallon residential service and an increase of about $54 for an average commercial 3-yard bin.

What do you think of Waste Management’s fee increases? What company do you think Newark should contract with for waste collection and recycling services? Tell us in the comments section below.

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