City staff outline plan to study single residential hauler; commissioners seek cost, equity and technology answers

City staff presented findings of a materials-management and rate study on March 25 and recommended pursuing further public engagement on a potential shift to a single (exclusive) residential refuse hauler for Grand Rapids.

John Gorny, the presentation lead, said the consultant — SCS Engineers — recommended the city consider becoming the only hauler for residential service. "The recommendation is that the city become the only hauler in the city for residential service," he said during the briefing. The study compared the city’s current open-market, pay-as-you-throw model with a single-hauler model, reviewed RFID truck technology, and examined the county’s waste-to-energy facility and regional processing options.

Staff listed four primary benefits of an exclusive-hauler model: guarantee that every property has refuse service; reduce wear and tear on streets by fewer, heavier trucks; lower greenhouse-gas emissions; and deliver a consistent level of service across neighborhoods. Staff also noted that the city already serves roughly 80–90 percent of the residential market (higher if counting single-family homes alone) and that route rebalancing and vehicle procurement would be necessary to absorb private accounts — a timeline that could stretch over two years because of vehicle lead times.

Commissioners pressed staff on several points. Questions and requests included: - Cost: multiple commissioners asked whether a single-hauler model would raise or lower household costs. Staff said average private-hauler prices for a full-size (96-gallon) cart are about $30 per month and that, because city customers typically present carts for collection about half the time, staff believe many residents could see equal or lower costs under a city-run exclusive model. Staff said they do not anticipate immediate rate increases and would aim to align rates to cost of service. - Equity and mandatory service: staff said if the city moves to an exclusive-hauler model, it would require an ordinance change and could include mandatory service to ensure all homes are served. Commissioners discussed exemptions and how income-qualified assistance would be preserved; staff noted approximately 900 customers currently receive income-qualified service via a partnership with Home Repair Services of West Michigan. - Technology: commissioners asked about RFID accuracy and replacement. Staff said the city’s RFID system performs at close to 99 percent accuracy, that tags have a replacement program and that the city is testing next-generation options. - Illegal dumping and corridor cleanup: several commissioners said neighborhood corridors and schools were suffering recurring illegal dumping; staff said corridor cleaning crews (funded by an existing millage) and enhanced outreach would be part of continued engagement. - Composting and organics: commissioners pressed staff to move faster on curbside organics and food-waste pilots; staff said organics would be studied and brought forward in the near term.

Staff said a public survey is open and city engagement with neighborhood associations, rental-owner groups and private haulers will continue through summer. If the city decides to recommend an exclusive-hauler change, staff would return with an ordinance change and an implementation plan; staff estimated that, if approved, purchases and fleet adjustments would begin at year-end and full implementation could be near the end of 2027.

Ending: Commissioners asked for more detailed cost comparisons by cart size, verification of ordinance language on collection frequency, and additional data on the likely street-life and emissions benefits before the city frames any final recommendation for the commission.