Sahuarita adopts ordinance, awards townwide trash contract to Waste Connections after hours of public comment

The Town of Sahuarita on (meeting date not specified) adopted an ordinance establishing a townwide residential curbside solid-waste collection program and voted to award a seven-year contract to Waste Connections of Arizona.

The council passed Ordinance No. 2025-179, which amends the Sahuarita Town Code (Title 8, Health and Sanitation, Chapter 8.05) to authorize a single residential-provider system for single-family and multifamily dwellings up to four units. Council later approved Contract No. 25001 with Waste Connections of Arizona for an amount not to exceed $27,000,000, with service to commence as negotiated in the procurement schedule.

The issue drew lengthy public comment from residents across Sahuarita, many of whom said they objected to losing choice of hauler, expressed concern about fees charged by current providers when customers switch, and worried about rates for people on fixed incomes. "Every time I hear you say staff recommendation, I cringe," said resident Rick Wilkening. Several speakers asked why residents could not opt out, and many said they pay less with current providers than the projected town charge.

Council and staff said the proposal is intended to reduce truck trips, noise and wear on neighborhood streets and to set firm equipment, safety and customer service standards through an organized contract. The consultant described fleet standards in the contract: maximum vehicle age of three years at contract start, an allowable average vehicle age not to exceed seven years over the contract life, onboard cameras, GPS, fire extinguishers and spill kits. The consultant also said the program would provide standardized carts owned by the town, an online portal and a local call center for customer service.

Waste Connections' local executive, Ty Tossinson, told the council his company prioritizes safety and community service. "Safety is our core and number 1 value," Tossinson said, noting the company operates nationally but emphasizes local management and investment in equipment.

Council members acknowledged the public concerns about cart-pickup or termination fees charged by some current providers. Town staff reported that Waste Connections agreed not to charge customers termination fees in the transition; staff said Waste Management indicated it would limit a pickup fee to a single cart in Sahuarita but would not fully waive fees in all cases. The ordinance adopted by the council also includes consumer-protection language to limit undisclosed termination or pickup fees unless conspicuously disclosed at the time a customer initially signs up for service.

On rates, staff presented two rate design options: an annual-adjustment model (lower initial rate that tracks an industry CPI index) and a fixed-rate model (higher initial rate held constant for a defined period, then stepped up). Council chose the fixed-rate option during the contract vote.

Council members moved into a short executive session earlier in the meeting for legal advice before resuming and hearing a consultant presentation and public comment. After discussion, council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-179 and to approve Contract No. 25001 with Waste Connections under the fixed-rate option.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 2025-179 — adopted (6–0). Contract No. 25001 with Waste Connections of Arizona — approved (unanimous vote recorded).