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Waste Management contract to include garbage and recycling

posted 02/12/02
The current inter-local agreement between San Juan County and Island County for garbage hauling will be dropped if the BOCC agrees with recommendations from staff. Instead the county would contract directly with Waste Management Inc. (WMI) for services. The move surprised members of the county Solid Waste Advisory Committee yesterday (Feb. 11, 2002.).

SWAC had focused its attention on debating the merits of switching to a co-mingled recycling system and had reviewed the bids solicited for hauling recyclables. During discussion of the contract being drafted for hauling co-mingled recyclables, committee member Bob Frehauf said, "I'm confused. This contract covers both?"

Solid Waste Manager Jon Shannon said the bid had a garbage component.

Last fall, fourteen firms were invited to bid on all or part of the garbage/recycling hauling. Only two companies bid on both recycling and garbage hauling. A report written last fall by Shannon said: staff intends to solicit bids for long haul services during Fall of fiscal year 2001 for implementation during fiscal year 2002. A savings of up to $60,000 may be possible.

WMI bid $.61 less than it currently charges the county through the inter-local agreement. The low bid by WMI would produce a savings of $6,100 per year.

The county prosecutor recommended hiring an outside consultant to review the contract. Shannon said, "The inter-local agreement with Island County will be superceded by the contract. The Seattle attorney said don't keep the inter-local agreement."

Committee member Neil Hanson asked, "Once we leave safe harbor of interlocal agreement will we ever see that price again?"

Shannon said the contract was being written to coincide with the length of Island County's contract. It will end at the end of 2012.

Shannon said if all goes smoothly, the contract will be presented to the BOCC on March 12, 2002. First, the draft contract will be forwarded to the Seattle law firm. After they review it, recommend changes and consult with the county, they will consult with WMI. County staff will finalize it and present it to the BOCC.