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Board approves 10‑year garbage franchise agreements for unincorporated county; new labor and consumer protections added
Summary
The board voted to adopt 10‑year franchise agreements with GreenTeam and GreenWaste on Jan. 14, setting standardized services across three solid‑waste districts, new labor and reporting requirements, and adjusted rates for some customers.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 14 approved new 10‑year garbage franchise agreements covering unincorporated areas, awarding service districts to GreenTeam and GreenWaste and adopting schedules of maximum rates. The agreements run July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2035 and standardize services countywide while adding new labor and public‑accountability provisions.
The agreements include new reporting and enforcement provisions requested by the board: quarterly reporting of any unfair‑labor‑practice (ULP) filings; annual certified wage reports for drivers and sorters; updated labor‑peace plan requirements and liquidated damages for failures to comply with key contract deliverables. Staff said the contracts also raised sorter base wages slightly (a negotiated $0.25/hour increase plus a 2% industry alignment adjustment) and required unified services such as vouchers and bulky‑item curbside pickup across all three districts.
Nut graf: The county said the packages were negotiated to protect customers, ensure continuity of service during labor disputes, and improve transparency on wages and ULPs. Staff noted some rate adjustments: District West rates were reduced from the initial proposal (residential common service down to 25% from 27% in the earlier proposal), District East rates rose modestly to accommodate added SB 1383 commercial recycling compliance duties placed on the contractor, and District South saw a decrease due to multi‑district award discounts.
The board heard no public speakers on the item during the continued public hearing. Vice President Arenas praised staff for negotiating protections for low‑income customers and for worker protections; board members asked that the county coordinate with the Social Services Agency to help eligible residents enroll in rate‑reduction programs (including PG&E CARE equivalent discounts where applicable). Staff agreed to provide outreach and to report transition updates to the board in March, April and May as the contracts are implemented.
Ending: The board adopted the resolutions establishing maximum rates and approved franchise agreements unanimously. Staff will proceed with transition planning and report back to the board on implementation progress and targeted outreach to eligible low‑income residents.
