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Festus council hears complaints about Waste Connections service; staff recommends RFQ next year
Summary
Council members reported missed pickups and driver turnover for Waste Connections; staff said the contract is extended through 2026 and recommended soliciting proposals (RFQ) before the extension ends.
Council members on Monday raised repeated complaints about residential trash service provided by Waste Connections, saying some residents have experienced missed pickup cycles and that recent operational changes by the hauler have reduced service quality.
"We're paying a full amount. They're delivering a not so good service," Councilman Cook said, urging discussion about when the city should consider alternatives. Council members and staff described staffing turnover, consolidation to a single truck size and fewer crew members per truck as factors in the service problems. A staff speaker who identified recent contract research said, "As you recall, I think we're on our third extension with Waste Connections... it would be worthwhile for us next year before the end of '26, early in '26 for us to solicit proposals, from other firms who provide similar services, to see."
Staff said the current relationship with Waste Connections began as a multi-step contract that has been extended several times. A staff member explained operational changes at the hauler: "They have seemingly, dedicated themselves to using exclusively 1 size of truck ... There's nobody else on the truck with them."
Council members noted service lapses that in some cases lasted "2 or 3 weeks" and questioned whether recent contract extensions included increases in pay or other changes that affected staffing. Staff criticized repeated driver turnover and said longtime local drivers who used to respond quickly are no longer assigned to the Festus routes.
City staff recommended issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) or proposals in early 2026, before the current extension ends. A staff speaker added, "Waste Connections may prove to be the best provider, because of their familiarity and the disruption in service... but I think that's something we should consider, moving forward." There was no formal council motion recorded at the meeting to change or terminate the contract.
Council members asked staff to return with procurement options and timing. The discussion included references to operational remedies city staff have pursued, such as coordinating with the hauler about alleys and pickup locations, but council members said those efforts have not fully resolved resident complaints.
