Peoria City Council approves new solid waste contract with GFL for 3 years

The Peoria City Council convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the proposed solid waste and recycling collection contract with GFL Environmental, the current waste management provider. The meeting began with a presentation from the city manager, who outlined the terms of the new contract, which is set for a three-year term with the option for two additional one-year extensions.

The city manager explained that the decision to renegotiate the contract followed dissatisfaction with the previous landfill agreement, prompting the city to terminate its contract with Peoria Disposal Services Inc., now owned by GFL. The new contract aims to provide waste collection certainty for the next 30 years, with rates indexed to inflation.

Key features of the proposed contract include:
- Weekly waste collection and biweekly recycling collection.
- Unlimited weekly trash collection for residential units with one to four units.
- Landscape waste collection for 36 weeks from mid-March to mid-December.
- Additional services such as dead animal disposal, tire disposal, and bulky waste collection.
- Funding of $50,000 annually for public works marketing efforts related to the solid waste program.

The council discussed various changes from the previous contract, including clarifications on missed pickups and ownership of trash carts. The contract also includes performance metrics to evaluate service quality, such as maintaining a customer satisfaction rating of 90% and limiting missed pickups to fewer than 4,000 over a specified period.

Financially, the contract starts at $16.25 per household per month, with incremental increases over the contract's duration. The estimated annual cost for the first year is approximately $7.4 million, rising to $8 million by the third year. Despite the increase in costs, the city manager noted that the contract would allow for a reduction in the garbage fund deficit.

Council members expressed their support for the contract, highlighting the importance of reliable waste management services for residents. The council unanimously approved the contract after a motion was made and seconded.

In addition to the waste management discussion, council members addressed other topics, including the need for sewer capacity in the Dunlap area to facilitate new housing developments. Council member Valpula raised concerns about the limitations posed by existing sewer infrastructure and the need for reports on potential solutions.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of council member Chuck Graham's long service, and a reminder about upcoming community events, including a free mulch giveaway scheduled for April 19 and April 26. The council's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance city services and address community needs effectively.