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Forsyth County proposes renewing residential solid‑waste franchises and altering fee adjustments
Summary
Staff recommended awarding new three‑year franchise terms (with two two‑year extensions) to current solid‑waste haulers, setting a base monthly rate at $17.32, switching from a quarterly diesel fuel surcharge to an annual CPI adjustment, and adjusting optional cart rental to $5/month; staff noted service participation rates and plans to add trucks to improve route reliability.
Minor Barnett, environmental assistance and protection director, briefed proposed franchise renewals for residential and small business solid‑waste collection in unincorporated Forsyth County. Barnett said the county’s franchise program (in place since 1973) currently covers roughly 25,000 unincorporated households, with more than 18,000 subscribing to county‑organized garbage service and about 4,900 subscribing to optional curbside recycling.
The proposed contract terms would award franchises to the existing franchise holders with an initial three‑year term and two two‑year extensions (potentially extending to 2032 if unchanged). Staff recommended locking the base rate for weekly service at $17.32 per month, discontinuing the quarterly diesel fuel surcharge in favor of an annual adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index, and reducing the optional cart rental rate to $5 per month (the county historically controlled rental rates for carts). Barnett said requiring recycling service as a condition of franchise remains in place and explained that cart rental fees were calculated based on the maximum potential operational hours and can be adjusted to match the county school calendar.
Commissioners asked about contractor insurance documentation (auto, general liability, workers’ compensation); staff said these coverages exist but documentation requirements will be made explicit in the new agreements. Barnett also described recent short service delays in southern parts of the county and said route reorganizations plus an additional truck (effective Dec. 1) aim to restore timely service; most problems were single‑day delays rather than missed pickups.
Staff said the final term of existing franchises ends Dec. 31 and the proposed terms would become effective Jan. 1, 2026.
