County renews litter-removal contracts; administration projects $644,124 in annual savings

DeKalb County commissioners approved the first renewal option for two countywide litter-removal contracts that cover roadways, MARTA stops, interstate ramps and medians. The contracts, awarded to American Eagle LLC and Russell Landscape, will run through June 30, 2026, under the renewal.

Michelle Butler, director of sanitation and beautification, told the committee she renegotiated per-mile prices with vendors and reduced summer pickup frequency at locations where county mowing crews are already present. Butler said one vendor lowered its price from $148 per mile to $110; a second vendor increased from $95 to about $106.40, but overall changes and frequency reductions will save the county $258,000 per year on litter pricing and $644,124 per year when combined with seasonal frequency adjustments. "When you look at the change in the litter prices and the reduction during the summer months, we are going to save a total of $644,124 per year," Butler said.

Butler said the original total contract value was about $1,900,000 and the revised amount, including a $50,000 contingency line to cover late-added locations, would be about $1,400,000. The department uses a hybrid approach that combines in-house crews and vendor services; staff said some locations will continue to be handled by county crews while others will be on contract.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure a set of neighborhood-identified problem locations are included; staff said in-house crews and the contingency will be used as needed. The committee approved the renewal.