Assembly extends Republic Services contract one year to allow regional waste study

The assembly considered extending the borough's two-year solid-waste contract with Republic Services, which expires in September 2025 and contains a one-year extension option if the borough notifies Republic by Feb. 1, 2025. Public works director Cata recommended exercising the one-year extension to allow time for a regional waste study being funded by a $500,000 Denali Commission grant and coordinated by the C SWA and Southeast Conference.

Assembly members asked whether alternatives (buying containers and hauling material directly, or other haulers) had been explored. Director Cata said Republic's proposal remains the most cost-effective compared with a 2023 quote from another provider and explained the study will return results in about two years; he warned that buying a fleet of containers raises significant logistical challenges and storage and seasonal-capacity concerns.

Members also discussed incineration proposals; Cata said one proprietary incinerator firm that presented in Wrangell indicated a large daily throughput (cited in the meeting as about 75 tons/day) would be required for that technology to work in the region. The assembly discussed the timeline and regional nature of any solution and unanimously approved the one-year extension on a roll-call vote.

The transcript records a projected monetary range for the extension of $425,000 to $475,000 at a rate of $192.40 per ton starting Sept. 1, 2025; staff said final costs will be determined by tonnage and any negotiated terms. Cata noted Republic has offered a one-year extension in writing; further extensions are not guaranteed.