A significant resolution was passed during the June 18, 2024, Soledad City Council meeting, approving a new franchise agreement for waste collection services with Tri Cities Disposal and Recycling. This agreement, which will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2035, also includes a notable 13% increase in garbage collection and disposal rates.

Patrick Matthews, General Manager of Salinas Valley Recycles, presented the agreement, emphasizing its importance as a utility service essential for community living. The agreement is a collaborative effort among the cities of Soledad, Gonzales, and Greenfield, with Gonzales already having approved it. The contract grants Tri Cities Disposal exclusive rights to provide waste collection services in the region, which includes solid waste, mixed recycling, and organics collection.

The council discussed the implications of the rate increase, which is attributed to various factors, including rising labor costs and new regulatory requirements. Council member Caldera expressed concerns from constituents about the financial impact of the increase, especially in light of other rising utility costs. Matthews reassured the council that this adjustment is a one-time increase, with future adjustments tied to a more relevant cost-of-living index specific to the solid waste industry.

The agreement also includes provisions for the collection of food scraps alongside yard waste, a significant step in enhancing organic waste management. Additionally, the bulky goods collection program will continue, allowing residents to dispose of up to five bulky items ten times a year at no extra cost.

As the council moves forward, the anticipated outcomes of this agreement include improved waste management services and compliance with state regulations, despite the financial challenges posed by the rate increase. The council is set to finalize the agreement pending approval from Greenfield, with the expectation that it will enhance waste collection efficiency and sustainability in the region.