Cortland officials discuss Republic Services proposals for new recycling carts and biweekly pickup

City leaders discussed proposed changes to Republic Services’ contract that would affect how recycling is collected in Cortland.

The mayor told council the city has two proposals from Republic Services and needs to sign by the end of the year. One option is a single-year price increase; the other is a five-year contract that would include the provision of 65-gallon wheeled recycling carts (replacing smaller bins), a transition to biweekly recycling pickup, and distribution of a service calendar and outreach materials. Council and residents asked about additional costs, whether yard waste and leaf-bag pickup would continue, and widget-level service details; Republic Services representatives and city staff said yard waste and other services would continue unchanged and that notices would be sent to residents.

Why it matters: The change would standardize curbside recycling containers and alter pickup cadence, which could affect residents who currently use smaller bins or bags. Council asked staff to move the contract forward so it could be placed on an emergency agenda item and be in place by Jan. 1.

Council and residents raised operational concerns such as trucks missing pickups, overfull bins and lids sticking up, and the ability to report service issues; staff suggested residents call the city or Republic Services’ customer service to resolve problems and said the company will provide a representative contact.

What’s next: Staff said details of the proposal will be posted and notices sent to residents; council indicated a preference to place the contract on the agenda for emergency approval before the end of the year so the selected option can take effect Jan. 1.