Chardon's trash-hauling contract with Waste Management to begin in June

Chardon Community Development Administrator Steve Yaney will be talking trash in the next city newsletter.

He is working to get the word out about the new single waste-hauler contract that will take effect June 1.

A FAQ sheet will be included in the spring newsletter about the agreement between the city and Waste Management of Ohio.

“Waste Management of Ohio, Inc. included the most criteria identified by Council at the lowest average price per month during the five-year term of the agreement,” according to the legislation passed last month.

Other bidders were Kimble, Major Waste and Rumpke.

Waste Management will provide exclusive weekly solid waste collection and disposal services, and bi-weekly recycling to all residents at a cost of $16.15 per month during the first year, with annual increases as set forth in the contract.

Customers receiving both services will save $5 to $20 per month on their bills, which now only include trash removal.

“Current rates in the city have a large range depending on level of service, hauler and type of service,” Yaney said. “Some residents will see their trash bill for the year reduced by over $200.”

Containers are to be distributed in late May with the first day of collection June 4. Those with other haulers will need to contact them for any payment refunds and removal of their totes.

Waste Management will be sending out postcards in a month or so directing residents to sign up for services.

The legislation passed 6-1 with Dave Lelko dissenting. He objected to the cost of recycling being included, regardless of whether residents choose to recycle. He noted that only 35 percent of Waste Management customers in the city currently contract for curbside recycling.

Those with small amounts of refuse may receive bag service at a cost of $2.50 per bag during the first year, plus $3.30 per month for recycling services.

Those on the bag-only service are permitted to opt out of the recycling fee.

“If they choose not to receive a recycling tote, they would not be billed for it,” Yaney said.

Vince Crawford, representing Waste Management, said all cities that have a single-hauler contract through his company offer both trash and recycling, and that most residents recycle in those cases.

He noted that many drop-off locations are closing, limiting recycling options.

Councilwoman Nancy McArthur asked him to respond to concerns from people who anticipate that Waste Management will increase their prices. Crawford said the prices are contracted and set for the next five years.

Councilman Dan Meleski said he favored the deal because of convenience for those who wish to recycle at a minimal cost.

The city will pay $529 per month during the first year for emptying of garbage bins at city buildings.

Bid criteria included the following:

• Service shall be provided to all single-family residences (any building on a private or public street with three residential units or less). Commercial, industrial and multifamily customers that use dumpsters aren’t be included.

• Collection on one day is preferable.

• A 10 percent discount is requested for seniors 60 and older.

• Collection hours shall be between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• "Large trash" collection service shall be available to residents at an additional cost.

• Educational brochures explaining curbside recycling, the trash collection program and other refuse collection information will be provided annually.

• Fuel surcharges shall be included in the base bid.

• Hazardous material shall not be collected as waste.

• One annual curbside cleanup shall be provided at no additional cost and included as part of the monthly price to each residential customer.

Chardon will continue to offer a citywide trash day, Sept. 28.

Council in October gave the go-ahead to staff to pursue bid specifications for hiring a single waste hauler. A 2017 citizen survey revealed that exploring the idea was a priority.

The specifications were created with feedback from council members, area haulers and the public during Service Committee meetings in April, July, August and September.

About 1,750 customers receive curbside service in the city.

Council last considered a single-hauler contract in 2009, but some members of the public opposed losing the right to choose their provider.

Other area communities with single trash hauler contracts include Middlefield Village, Mentor, Kirtland, Painesville and Geneva.