Authority awards sludge-hauling contract to American Waste Control after cost comparison

The Public Works Authority voted unanimously to award a one-year sludge-hauling and disposal contract to American Waste Control of Tulsa, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with three optional one-year renewals. Funding for the contract will be included in the 2026'2027 annual budget.

Mr. Carr, a city staff member, told the authority that American Waste has provided sludge disposal services to the wastewater treatment plant since 2022 and takes material to an environmental landfill near Sand Springs. He said staff contacted three firms; Republic Services provided a higher bid and Waste Management did not respond to the solicitation.

To illustrate the difference, Mr. Carr summarized a March'May cost comparison showing American Waste at about $67,000 versus Republic Services at about $144,000. He explained that Republic charged extra for roll-offs beyond four tons (the plant averages about seven tons), while American Waste's pricing effectively accommodated larger loads with a 10-ton threshold before excess charges, making American Waste more economical based on recent volumes.

Members asked clarifying questions about what "sludge" entails and why Waste Management did not respond; Mr. Carr said Waste Management lacked accessible contact information on its website and did not provide a bid. After a motion and second to approve the contract as presented, the authority recorded unanimous "Yes" votes from Members Brown, Short, Abel, Murray and Chairbox.

The contract was approved without recorded amendments; staff indicated the award will be effective July 1, 2026.