Local Council Discusses Waste Management Contract and Ongoing Labor Strike Impact

San Joaquin County's Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on July 18, 2025, where a significant discussion centered around the upcoming transition to a new waste management contract that promises to save ratepayers approximately 45%. The new contract, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marks the first competitive bidding process for waste management services in decades, a move that has been met with both anticipation and concern.

Supervisor Dhaliwal highlighted the extensive efforts that went into securing the new contract, emphasizing the importance of this change for residents in Area C. "We ended up in Area C coming up with a new contract, with waste management that'll save rate payers about 45%," he stated, underscoring the financial relief expected for the community.

However, the meeting also addressed potential challenges ahead. With ongoing labor strikes affecting waste management services in other regions, concerns were raised about the ability of the new provider to seamlessly take over operations. Dhaliwal noted that while trucks are on order, the transition may not be as smooth as hoped, especially in light of recent strikes in Philadelphia that have disrupted garbage collection.

The discussion also touched on the implications of union negotiations, with local landfill employees currently in talks that could impact service availability. "Our drivers do have existing contracts that don't expire for a few years," clarified a representative from the waste management company, indicating that while the drivers are not on strike, their support for striking landfill workers could complicate service delivery.

As the board navigates these complexities, they are exploring contingency plans to ensure that residents continue to receive waste services during the transition. Supervisor Guardia emphasized the need for a backup plan, questioning whether the waste management company had strategies in place to address potential service disruptions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep residents informed and to explore all available options to maintain waste collection services, particularly for vulnerable populations who may struggle to access alternative disposal methods. The board's proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of labor disputes and ensure a smooth transition to the new waste management contract.