Graham picks KC Dumpsters for solid‑waste contract, keeps recycling at convenience station

The City Council on Jan. 16 authorized the city manager to begin contract negotiations with KC Dumpsters for municipal solid‑waste collection, hauling and disposal services, selecting the company as the meeting’s staff‑recommended best value.

Council and staff said the selection committee scored four proposals and ranked KC Dumpsters highest. The recommended contract structure preserves single‑weekly curb collection for household trash but moves recycling collection to a consolidated convenience‑station model rather than curbside pickup.

Councilmembers discussed tradeoffs: the consolidated recycling plan will require residents to drive recyclables to a city convenience site rather than receive weekly curb pickup, but staff said on‑site sorting at the convenience station should reduce contamination that previously caused recyclable loads to be treated as landfill waste. The contract recommendation also includes annual CPI adjustments and a requirement that the contractor post a performance bond so the city can replace the provider if necessary.

Councilmember Jeff, a selection‑committee member, said smaller collection vehicles from the recommended firm could reduce wear on neighborhood streets. Mayor Pro Tem and other councilmembers said the city will review recycling use after the contract runs and may renegotiate or drop consolidated recycling if participation or cost does not justify it.

The recommended initial contract term is five years with renewal provisions. The council recorded three yes votes and one abstention for the selection; the motion passed.