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Council previews pilot to give residents flexible refuse and yard‑waste dropoffs under franchise amendment
Summary
Staff briefed the council Sept. 15 on proposed amendments to the University Place Refuse franchise agreement to enable a 2026 pilot that would replace fixed spring/fall cleanup windows with a voucher/credit drop‑off system allowing customers to dispose of refuse or yard waste at no extra charge at the company’s site.
City staff presented proposed language Sept. 15 to amend the city’s refuse franchise agreement so University Place Refuse can run a pilot program in 2026 offering more flexible collection or dropoff options for residential customers. The council did not take formal action but directed staff to bring the amendment forward for council consideration at a future meeting.
Lisa Katorick, Administrative Services director, said Section 20.2 of the current franchise (adopted Feb. 2021 and running through Dec. 2035) contains specific references to spring and fall cleanup events and yard-waste pickups. The proposed amendment replaces those date‑specific references with broader language authorizing the city and the company to “jointly design and implement additional collection events,” including annual pickups or household dropoffs. The draft language requires a minimum opportunity of no less than twice per year at no additional charge.
Assistant General Manager Michael Bruner of University Place Refuse proposed a voucher or credit program under which customers could schedule a dropoff or come to the company site at times that suit them, rather than relying on narrow two‑week windows in spring and fall. Katorick said the company’s site is typically open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; under the pilot, customers could use those hours for complimentary dropoffs at a minimum of two times per year. Staff said the pilot aims to reduce the peak traffic and the traffic‑control need that occurs on the currently scheduled cleanup dates.
Council members asked operational questions about whether Saturday hours would remain, whether there would be a maximum number of dropoffs, and whether the program would remove the existing scheduled spring/fall events. Staff responded that the spring/fall scheduled events would be replaced for the pilot and the Saturday drop‑off would remain. Details on any maximum frequency and the voucher mechanics remain under discussion; staff and the company plan to return with a finalized amendment. Council asked that staff provide an evaluation report after the pilot year.
Council members expressed general support, citing convenience for residents who cannot attend narrow date windows and concern about traffic lines that affect adjacent properties, especially as new apartment development increases nearby trips. No vote was taken; staff said the amendment language will be prepared for the next council meeting for formal action.
