Committee OKs placement of refuse and recycling contract for March 4 agenda

The York City Public Works Committee voted to place a resolution awarding a contract for refuse, recycling and container collection services on the March 4, 2025, legislative agenda.

The committee chair, Councilwoman Dennis, opened the discussion and asked the Public Works representative to present the item. A Public Works staff member said the proposed contract would be considered for the March agenda and that the selected contractor’s service start date would be May 1. The staff member also confirmed the city issued the request for proposals on Dec. 4, 2024.

Councillors asked for additional information before the March 4 meeting. One council member asked about the number of bidders; staff said there were two. Another council member asked about the contract amount; staff said numbers were still being finalized and they expected to provide that information before March 4 so councilors could review it.

Committee members also raised operational concerns for contractors working in dense, multifamily neighborhoods. One councilor described heavy volumes of refuse and the difficulty collectors face in areas with rowhomes and multifamily blocks, saying it likely affects the city’s bids. The councilor asked whether the city could better enforce refuse ordinances to reduce the burden on collectors. The Public Works representative acknowledged the challenge and noted it can affect costs.

After discussion there was a motion and second to place the resolution on the March 4 agenda. The motion carried by voice vote and the item was scheduled for the March 4 legislative agenda.