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Staff outlines timeline, risks for residential garbage RFP and warns on opt-out complications
Summary
Public works staff recommended a late-May RFP for residential trash collection and flagged problems with 'opt-out' systems used elsewhere; the current Outagamie County recycling agreement runs through 2027 but can be canceled with 180 days' notice.
City public works staff briefed the Board of Public Works on options and risks for a future residential garbage contract and a potential request-for-proposals (RFP).
Robert said he had gathered sample RFPs from other communities and warned that opt-out provisions—where individual properties may opt out of a municipal collection program—have caused recurring operational problems in other jurisdictions. He said an example from Clintonville led that city to end its opt-out policy after tenants and multifamily units created collection complications.
Staff described the current recycling and tipping arrangements through Outagamie County, noting the existing interlocal agreement runs five years and is up in 2027 but may be canceled with 180 days’ notice. He said combined contracting for both recycling and garbage sometimes yields lower rates where one contractor handles both collection and processing, but he did not present firm price comparisons.
The staff timeline calls for issuing an RFP in late May, reviewing proposals in June and presenting results at the July meeting, with implementation possibly in 2026 or 2027 depending on procurement timing and contract-transition requirements. Staff warned the procurement will require additional staff time to manage calls and contractor oversight.
Board members asked practical questions about pickup start times, enforcement and rental-property requirements; staff noted an existing ordinance requiring landlords to provide garbage service for units up to four in some cases and said details will be reviewed during procurement planning.
No action was taken; staff will prepare the RFP materials and return with bids and cost comparisons.
