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Solid-waste director recommends two‑year extension with Waste Management to operate three county recycling convenience centers
Summary
Forsyth County solid-waste staff recommended a two-year extension of the contract with Waste Management of Carolinas to continue operating three recycling convenience centers, citing only one responsive proposer and projected costs of about $394,000 (FY26) and $419,000 (FY27).
Minor Barnett, Environmental Assistance Program director, briefed commissioners on a recommended two-year extension of the county’s agreement with Waste Management of Carolinas Inc. to operate three recycling convenience centers (Kernersville — Lindsey Street; Hanes Mill Road; and Yadkinville Road / Paughtown site). Barnett said the current initial contract term ends June 30, 2025.
Barnett presented site photos and described operational features, including a rain shelter at Kernersville and a compactor at Haynes Mill Road (the latter partly funded by a state grant). He told commissioners the county advertised an RFP and Waste Management was the only respondent; under the proposed extension the not-to-exceed cost for FY26 would be $394,000 and for FY27 $419,000 (the FY26 figure is consistent with the figure Barnett recited earlier in the briefing).
Barnett said the county has observed a decline in tonnage delivered to the convenience centers over recent years even as curbside subscription participation remains high; he said total participation in subscription curbside collection exceeded 19,000 households (about 68% of roughly 28,000 eligible households). Barnett noted the contract contains a consumer-price-index adjustment applied annually and that Waste Management performs collection, attendant duties, transportation and processing at a local material recovery facility.
Commissioners asked whether the county had evaluated operating the centers with county staff and contracting only hauling/processing; Barnett said no detailed study had been performed and suggested the existing contract permits termination or changes with 90 days’ notice, preserving flexibility to pursue alternatives during the two-year extension.
Why it matters: The extension preserves county access to three permanent drop-off sites for household recyclables, compliance with state bans on certain landfill commodities, and continuity of service while staff consider longer-term options.
Next steps: Staff asked the board to approve a two‑year extension; commissioners asked staff to study alternatives and noted the ability to terminate with notice if a better approach is identified.
