Council extends Republic Services contract for five years; residential rate and yard‑waste charges increase

Grand Haven City Council approved a five‑year contract extension with Republic Services for residential solid waste and recycling collection.

City staff presented the extension as largely procedural; the primary changes in the renewal are a new residential monthly rate of $19.82 and an increase to the charge for additional yard‑waste/recycle carts to $4 per container. Staff said other services under the contract — including spring/fall yard waste dates and complimentary event containers — remain in place.

Council members raised questions about billing practices for certain customers who are on a bag service and whether the bag service (previously listed as $10.91 per month in the old contract) had moved to the new rate structure. Staff acknowledged some legacy billing questions might exist and said they would follow up with the vendor and review customer billing tallies. One council member asked whether Republic had added a residential composting option; staff said they believed a residential composting service had been introduced through recent company changes but said they would confirm specifics.

Council discussion also touched on municipal benefits of a single franchised hauler, including reduced street wear from fewer collection routes. The council approved the extension by roll call (Fritz: yes; Lowe: yes; McLaughlin: yes; Manetta: yes).

Motion language in the packet described a “contract extension with Republic Services for residential solid waste, recycling.” Council recorded no amendments to the agreement in the meeting minutes; staff to finalize contract documents with Republic Services and to notify residents of any rate or service clarifications.