Fremont approves short-term contract with Waste Management after 33-year transfer-station transition

The Fremont City Council on June 9 approved Resolution 2026-143 authorizing a short-term landfill service agreement with Waste Management of Nebraska to replace the expiring agreement with Waste Connections.

Public works director Dan Gillis said the current contract with Waste Connections has been in place for 33 years and that the new agreement is intended as a bridge while the city develops and issues a competitive RFP for a longer-term transfer-station solution. Gillis said Waste Management’s first-year charge in the contract is $38 per ton compared with the city’s existing $51-per-ton rate to Waste Connections, and city staff said the arrangement gives haulers interim options and more disposal choices for residents.

Staff explained the agreement is intended to cover licensed haulers — who would be required to use the city-designated disposal facility — while household users would have additional options at nearby landfills. Council members asked whether the change would increase tipping fees for residents; staff said the negotiated rate is lower and that the city will continue existing household services like the annual tire event and monthly yard-waste drop-offs.

Gillis said the agreement provides time to finalize an RFP expected to be released in the coming one to two months, with bids allowed for several tracks including a privately owned/operated transfer station or a city-built facility operated by a private bidder.

After public questions, the council approved the resolution by unanimous vote (8–0).