The Kennewick City Council convened on October 7, 2025, to discuss a significant agenda item regarding a franchise agreement with Waste Management of Washington, Inc. The primary focus was on entering into a new ten-year contract for solid waste collection and residential recycling services within the city.

The meeting began with the city clerk reading the ordinance by title, which grants a franchise to Waste Management of Kennewick for the collection of solid waste. Following this, a staff report was presented, summarizing the discussions held in two previous workshops. The current contract with Waste Management is set to expire in December, prompting the need for a new agreement.

City staff, along with the city manager, have been negotiating terms with Waste Management. The proposed contract includes revisions to the recycling program, which will now feature 96-gallon carts collected every other week. Additionally, the contract retains service for the Toyota Centre and Convention Centre, and reinstates the fall leaf pickup program, as requested in prior discussions.

After the staff report, council members were given the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification on the proposed agreement. Members of the public interested in expressing their opinions on the matter were invited to speak, although general discussion and debate by the council would occur only after a motion was made.

As the meeting progressed, the council aimed to ensure that all aspects of the new contract were thoroughly reviewed before making a decision. The outcome of this discussion will have implications for waste management services in Kennewick, affecting both residents and local businesses.

In conclusion, the council's deliberations on the franchise agreement with Waste Management are a crucial step towards finalizing solid waste and recycling services for the community. Further discussions and a formal vote are expected in upcoming meetings as the council continues to evaluate the proposed contract.