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Shenandoah adopts new trash/recycling contract; trash remains free to residents, recycling subscription optional
Summary
The council approved a five‑year waste contract and an ordinance setting recycling rates on Sept. 24, 2025: regular trash service remains at no charge to residents; subscription recycling and optional additional carts are customer‑paid (additional cart $7.50/month); staff said the new approach reduces city costs.
Shenandoah City Council on Sept. 24 approved an ordinance adopting new trash and recycling service rates under a five‑year contract with Republic Services, keeping basic trash collection free for single‑family residents while making recycling subscription and extra carts the responsibility of customers.
City staff said each household will receive a 95‑gallon automated cart for trash pickup and that recycling will be subscription‑based (a separate cart for subscribers). An additional cart (trash or recycling) will be available for $7.50 per month. Staff emphasized that the advertised resident “no cost” refers to standard trash collection service; service includes collection, hauling and landfill fees, not ownership of the cart alone.
Council members asked detailed logistics questions about cart delivery, removal of old carts, and assistance for elderly and disabled residents. Staff said Republic Services provides an assistance program for seniors and disabled residents and that the city is collecting names for those services while the vendor completes IT setup ahead of contract start. Staff said old carts marked with an “X” will be collected on the first bulk collection day following delivery of the new carts.
Officials also discussed cost implications. Staff said the current contract change is projected to save the city substantially relative to some bid alternatives and that, compared with other proposals, the city negotiated a lower total cost over five years. City staff noted that earlier bid packages (including back‑door service and subscription recycling as standard) produced a roughly $2 million difference across five years between the low bid Republic Services won and a higher back‑door bid.
Council approved the ordinance adopting the new trash/recycling rates and contract in a voice/roll call vote at the meeting. Staff will publish implementation details and enrollment instructions for residents on the city website and in communications.
