Livingston City Commission considers in-house waste management for better service

The Livingston City Commission is poised to take a significant step towards enhancing local waste management services by considering a shift to in-house operations for the transfer station. During the recent meeting, city officials discussed the challenges faced with the current contractor, Republic Services, which has led to inconsistent service and multiple closures of the transfer station over the past six months.

Commissioner Lutz highlighted the need for a more reliable service, asking staff to share their experiences with Republic. Staff members reported that the transfer station had to close for several days due to full capacity and insufficient trailer supply from Republic. They expressed confidence that managing operations in-house would allow for better control over service levels and consistency, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

The discussion revealed that the city processes approximately 14,000 tons of garbage annually, with a significant portion coming from local businesses and residents. Staff proposed acquiring a third trailer to improve capacity and ensure the station remains open more consistently, especially during winter months when weather can impact operations.

Public Works Director Gager confirmed that no additional staff would be needed for this transition, as the current team is well-equipped and trained to handle the workload. The commission members expressed strong support for the move, emphasizing the benefits of empowering local staff to manage waste services directly. They noted that this change could lead to improved service for residents while also being more cost-effective.

As the commission prepares to finalize their decision, the anticipated shift to in-house waste management operations is seen as a promising solution to enhance service reliability and community satisfaction in Livingston.