Council approves short extension for recycling transfer-station contract amid objections over no-bid terms
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Summary
Denver City Council approved a proposed secondary agreement to continue recycling and compost transfer services with a private company but heard sharp criticism from one councilmember, who said the extension lacked a new competitive procurement and that the extra cost should be examined amid city budget pressures.
Denver City Council adopted a resolution to approve a secondary agreement extending the city’s recycling and compost transfer‑station arrangement with a private contractor.
The measure drew an objection from Councilmember Sawyer, who called for a ‘‘no’’ vote and pressed staff on procurement and price. Sawyer said the 18‑month initial extension carried a price of about $1.3 million and the proposed one‑year add‑on would cost roughly $1.5 million more — “more money for less amount of time,” she said — and questioned why the city did not recomplete the service through open competition.
“I'm really concerned that right here, we have a contract that's pretty clear that did not go out to bid, that could have gone out to bid, and potentially could have saved a job or 2 in the city,” Sawyer said during debate. She said she would vote no because the city is contemplating staff layoffs.
City staff replied the current procurement approach aligns with legal and operational needs and that the work in question pertains to recycling and compost transfer rather than general solid‑waste collection (which remains under a separate contract). Staff said the extension was designed to bridge the city to a full procurement process anticipated in 2026 and to avoid a lapse in service.
By roll call, the council adopted the resolution (final tally in the record). The extension preserves service continuity while staff prepares a formal competitive solicitation. Councilmembers also asked staff to clarify timeline and pricing in the weeks ahead.