Council authorizes negotiations with Waste Pro to explore return of curbside recycling

The Bradenton City Council on Aug. 8 authorized staff to pursue contract negotiations with Waste Pro Florida following a selection process for sanitation and recycling services. The motion authorized staff to negotiate terms but did not finalize a service plan or customer cost.

Public-works and procurement staff described the action as a step to gather detailed cost and service proposals. A staff presenter told the council: “This is simply a notice of recommended award… This is not a contract, but it does give us the leeway then to start negotiating with this company.” The council asked repeated questions about whether the action would commit the city to any rate increase; staff repeatedly answered that no customer cost had been set and that any changes would return to council for approval.

Council discussion ranged from support for restoring curbside recycling to concern about potential additional charges to residents and service frequency. Councilmember Kocher asked directly if staff knew per-household costs at this stage; staff replied, “Not at this point, correct.” Some council members emphasized they would not support consumer price increases for solid-waste service unless the city could demonstrate improved quality and value.

Motion and outcome: Council moved to “authorize the award of RFP 25-37 and pursue a contract with Waste Pro of Bradenton, Inc.” The motion carried 5–0. Staff said it will bring a proposed program scope, pricing options and implementation timeline back to the council for further review before execution of any final contract.

Ending: The vote allows staff to negotiate and produce a full program proposal for council consideration; any proposed fee changes or service-level changes will require separate council approval.