Solid Waste Authority awards Service Area 5 franchise to Good Company after negotiated rate cut

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County voted unanimously to award the exclusive franchise for Service Area 5 to Good Company after staff reported the hauler agreed to lower proposed monthly curbside rates.

Staff told the board the negotiated pricing lowers the proposed 6-cubic-yard monthly rate from $23.45 to $22.70 and the 12-cubic-yard rate from $24.45 to $23.70, bringing Service Area 5 in line with neighboring Service Area 2. A staff presenter said aligning the two areas promotes rate equity for residents receiving the same level of service from the same hauler.

Commissioner Flores, who said she lives in the affected area, thanked Good Company for negotiating and moved to set the 6-cubic-yard level of service for the area. “I live in this particular area. I appreciate the $9 decrease and the efforts,” she said when making the motion.

A member of the public, Drew Martin of the Sierra Club (conservation chair), asked whether the authority had considered pay-as-you-throw pricing that would charge households based on how much waste they produce. The presenter replied that pay-as-you-throw has been discussed elsewhere but that the negotiated rate, he said, produces one of the most competitive service levels in the state and that the current package offers substantial value to residents.

The board approved the motion and related items by a 5-0 vote. Staff read Resolution 2026-002 into the record confirming the franchise award and the contract award procedure. The authority indicated the award will take effect according to the resolution's terms.

Votes at the meeting were recorded as unanimous on this item; the board did not amend the negotiated rates at the dais.