Tulsa board weighs green-waste RFP options, considers 15-bag baseline and public hearing

Board members and staff on Tuesday discussed options that will be included in a request for proposals (RFP) for the city’s green-waste collection service and agreed to seek pricing so the board can make an informed choice.

The board discussed keeping a 15-bag allowance as the baseline and including alternative proposals in the RFP — a five-bag option, a sticker-based option and a call-in (311) pickup option — so the city can evaluate price points and customer impacts before changing policy. "We agreed on the 15 bags," said Priscilla, a board member, referring to the historical allowance. "We need to at least know what the price points are so that we can see the effect on the customer base."

Board members emphasized the need for data before deciding. Staff will collect bag-counts for March, April and May and provide those monthly counts to the contractor and the board to show actual participation. A staff member said the counts will be given to the contractor (Burns McDowell) so the procurement team can estimate peak demand and pricing.

Priscilla and other members reminded the board that the 15-bag limit emerged from a previous committee process several years ago and that seasonal peaks (spring and fall leaf cleanup) produce widely varying participation by neighborhood. Board members asked that the RFP solicit pricing for multiple service options so the board can choose with “eyes wide open” once bids arrive.

The board also agreed to advertise the RFP in June, expect bid submissions in August, and hold public outreach after bids are received to explain proposed changes and solicit community feedback. Members signaled a preference for a public meeting or hearing before finalizing any change, noting the topic drew strong public interest in prior solicitations.

Board members noted the green-waste RFP is separate from bulky-waste policy, which some members said should be revisited during next year’s budget cycle (discussion only). One member suggested increasing the bulky-waste fee from the current $10, but the board did not act on that proposal during the meeting.

Discussion points and next steps include: staff will advertise the RFP in June, collect three months of bag-count data and deliver a committee report with draft RFP language; the board plans public outreach once prices are known; and no final policy change will be adopted until the board reviews bids and hears from the public.