Cocoa council approves amended Waste Management franchise on first reading; company pledges local line and faster white‑goods pickup

The Cocoa City Council voted unanimously on first reading Sept. 9 to approve Ordinance O9-2025, an amended and restated solid waste franchise agreement between the City of Cocoa and Waste Management of Florida Inc., extending the contract term to Sept. 30, 2030, and tying annual service‑charge increases to the consumer price index for garbage and trash as provided in section 9‑37 of the City Code.

The ordinance, read into the record by the city attorney as part of a public hearing, also formalizes rates and administrative provisions for residential and commercial service within city limits. "This is all the information that was included in the last council meeting agenda item," city staff member Samantha Singer said, clarifying that some operational details remain to be finalized in customer materials.

Singer and Jordan Chandler, government affairs manager for Waste Management, described how the company will handle ‘‘bulk trash’’ and larger household appliances.…