City-Wide Residential Solid Waste Services

Not unless the HOA chooses to do so. The current conceptual scope indicates that HOA’s, which currently contract for trash service, would have the option to continue uninterrupted contracts or choose the City’s contractor.

The current recommendation by City staff is that HOA’s may continue contracting, if they choose to do so. HOA contracts solve some of the largest problems with poor solid waste management. The largest problems include multiple haulers on City streets, overpriced services and unpredictable service levels. HOA solid waste contracts serve the City well by improving the quality of life for our residents.

The current conceptual scope places billing responsibilities with the company (i.e. trash hauler) rather than establish a billing system by the City.

No. The City would not enact a sales tax, property tax or pay the contractor for citywide services from the existing budget of the City. Customers would pay the hauler directly for services.

Basic service would include trash and recycling collection. Yard waste and bulky item collection will either be offered in the basic service price or would be offered for an additional fee

City staff and the City Council identified professional solid waste management as one of the top priorities for the City. Benefits include lower prices for residents outside of HOA contracts, improved customer service, reduced wear and tear on City streets, among others.

Residents who live in HOA’s that do not contract, or residents outside of HOA’s who contract individually with service providers are typically on their own to find a hauler.

Different haulers routinely charge different rates for residents who live next door to each other. Collection days vary on the same street. Service levels are not standard. Price increases are not predictable. Customer service levels swing wildly with no oversight or contracts to manage poor behavior by haulers.

Resident complaints have ranged from waiting on hold for 3 hours with a hauler, not receiving callbacks, missed pickups, predatory sales tactics that are sometimes illegal, charging for services not rendered, placing recycling in the trash even though residents have paid for the service (which is also a violation of City Codes). Complaints are also received about abandoned containers in neighborhoods, yard waste being stuffed in storm drains, hydraulic oil leaks on newly paved streets, trash juice leaks from trucks, yard waste liquid leaks, truck fires, trucks that are not identified nor meeting MoDOT regulations and illegally dumped yard waste are all complaints received by the City, not to mention nonexistent or poor customer service skills.

While no company is perfect, most of the aforementioned areas can and will be positively impacted by a well-written and managed contract by the City.

Other benefits include, but are not limited to:

· Reduced prices for residents outside of HOA contracted areas

· Better customer service (assisted by the City)

· Reduced noise impacts on neighborhoods, improved neighborhood aesthetics

· Guaranteed service for all residents (some residents are refused service by haulers currently)

· Increased hauler accountability and transparency

· Professional and uniform service

· Reduced fuel usage/less emissions, improved air quality

· Alignment with norms (expected service)

· Increased hauler efficiencies

· Increases recycling rate through better management (reduce landfill demand)

· Fewer trucks in neighborhoods (aesthetics and safety)

· Haulers’ financial reliability (secured business investment)

Yes. Trucks are among the numerous factors that affect pavement conditions. Citing a March 2011 Study performed by Moore Engineering for Ace Solid Waste, Inc., “a reduction in traffic will always have an incremental benefit on any street.” Fewer trucks, of any type, and fewer cars will always extend the useful life of a pavement.  As trucks get bigger and heavier, they can cause more damage to our streets. A single trash truck has the equivalent impact of thousands of cars on the pavement. If there are fewer trash trucks driving on our roadways as a result of one service provider on a street instead of multiple service providers on the same street every week, there will be less pavement damage over time. When the rate of street deterioration is reduced, roads stay in better condition for longer periods with less frequent maintenance.

Residents lose the opportunity to hire and fire their own individual hauler.

Residents in HOA’s that do not contract, or residents outside of HOA’s will be included in the City-wide contract.

The City anticipates a significant reduction in monthly costs with a Citywide contract for those outside of HOA contracts. HOA contracts typically receive a reduced fee because haulers do not have to bill residents. While we do not know how much each resident currently pays for service, we have a very good idea what those costs are through HOA surveys, peer City surveys, contracted City surveys and individual resident input. We will only know how significant the cost savings will be once we receive bids.

The City currently licenses 9 different residential haulers who operate in the City on a weekly basis.

Any cost increases by the hauler will be regulated by the contract that the City manages.

Professional customer service will also be regulated by the contract. Residents will contact the hauler directly if they miss a pick-up. If a contractor fails to collect within a reasonable amount of time, they will be fined and/or terminated, depending upon the severity of the situation. The contract will also include bonding requirements, which allows the City to call upon the bonding company to replace a hauler who is in breach of contract.

If a contract is executed, changes would not start until mid-2027, which would provide the City with time to educate residents and time for a contractor to prepare for service delivery.

No. The last three strategic citywide plans have recommended contracting for residential solid waste services. This stretches back over 20 years. City staff have supported this concept for the last 30 years.

Yes. The city worked towards a City-wide contract in 2011, However, the effort did not come to fruition.

Yes. Thousands of cities nationwide contract for trash services. In the metropolitan area 50% of the cities surveyed in the eight-county surrounding area contract for solid waste services.

Yes. Cities that contract typically save residents money

No. This contract has nothing to do with the services offered at the Resource Recovery Park.

Staff is recommending the initial contract term to be between five and seven years. This will allow haulers enough time to make capital investments for the service and make payments on capital purchases.

Residence would initially call the hauling company to resolve any issues. If customer satisfaction is not obtained through the hauler, residents will call the city for resolution.

City staff have interviewed peer cities in the metro. Staff have interviewed current licensed residential haulers in the city. Staff have sent surveys to HOA’s obtaining input. Staff also hosted public information sessions in each council district. Citizens have also been provided with the opportunity to comment through the City’s website, or at public information sessions. A solid waste task force will also be formed to aid City Staff in identifying the key components to include in the request for Proposal.

No. Apartment complexes are served by commercial haulers and will not be part of the residential program.

No commercial hauling for private businesses will be part of this contract.