Washington council approves new waste franchise, turn‑lane contract and budget amendments; equipment leases rejected

WASHINGTON, Mo. — The Washington City Council on Monday approved a package of measures shaping waste collection, traffic projects and the city budget, and rejected two proposed five‑year equipment leases after questions over cost and warranty coverage.

The council voted to approve an exclusive five‑year franchise with Waste Connections of Missouri Inc. for residential solid‑waste and recycling collection, directed remaining federal ARPA funds to the city’s fire station budget and authorized contracts and grant work for two road projects on Missouri 100 and at the High Street/Highway 100 intersection. Separately, the council rejected ordinances to lease a Toro grounds‑master mower and a Toro sprayer.

Why it matters: The franchise sets the next citywide trash and recycling operator and standardizes container sizes and collection schedules beginning June 1, 2025; the turn‑lane and intersection work is tied to grant applications and construction that will change traffic patterns; the ARPA allocation affects capital funding for the fire station; and the council’s rejection of the leases leaves open how the city will replace aging grounds equipment.

Waste collection franchise

Councilmembers approved an ordinance authorizing an exclusive franchise agreement with Waste Connections of Missouri Inc. The contract calls for weekly trash collection with city‑provided or hauler‑provided carts (65‑ or 95‑gallon) and recycling collection on a twice‑monthly schedule. Charles (city staff) told the council the contract start date would be June 1, 2025. The council asked staff and the solid‑waste committee to return with a recommended resident rate structure and to continue examining the local landfill and transfer‑station options.

Tammy, the finance director, told the council the city will send…