West Hollywood staff describe Athens trash franchise, organics services and bulky‑item pickup

City staff described the scope and operations of West Hollywood's exclusive trash franchise with Athens and how it supports recycling and organics diversion mandated by state law.

"Athens has to meet all those state laws," said John Gilmore, engineering manager, explaining that the contractor separates recyclables and organics at its processing plants so curbside mixed collection can still meet state requirements. Staff noted the statewide organics diversion requirements now require separate streams for food and green waste.

Philip (facilities and field services manager) said Athens provides unlimited bulky‑item pickup to single‑family and multifamily residents at no charge, operates special restaurant‑organics routes, services pet‑waste stations, and runs an annual hazardous‑waste drop off at the San Vicente lot. Philip also told attendees the city's Athens contract was publicly awarded a few years ago and extends through 2037; he explained long franchise terms help spread the contractor's upfront infrastructure costs and stabilize rates.

Why it matters: the franchise determines how curbside recycling and organics are collected and processed, what services residents may expect (for example, free bulky‑item pickup), and how the city meets state diversion and reporting obligations.

What staff did not provide: specifics on annual contract value, contract number or detailed rate schedules were not given at the session; staff said those are public records and part of the formal contract file.