NOTE: Since this summary wasn’t posted as early as it usually is, we want to include a note that due to unexpected change from Priority Waste that it would not do bulk trash collection, Council left the item in committee at its August 26th meeting.

On Monday, August 12th, City Council held a Capital Outlay and Infrastructure Committee meeting to discuss the solid waste/recycling contract.

Background:

• GFL sold its municipal business (appox. 74 communities) to Priority Waste, a Clinton Township based company
• The City’s waste contract was set for renewal this year and prior to the buy-out there were only 2 responses to the RFP, GFL and Priority Waste.
• The current contract goes thru Nov. with a new contract needed by Dec, 2nd.

Council put forward approving motions to accept the bid of Priority Waste for solid waste/recycling contract and a contract with Toter to purchase 95 gallon carts for residents (two carts per household – one for trash and one for recycling).

Automated service is the new standard for trash/recylcing collection and Livonia will be transitioning to a standard cart size for all households. The carts are ergonomic, durable, create less debris and help with rodent issues.

During a 4 to 5 week selection process this fall, each household will be provided an opportunity to select the size of their trash/recycling bin – 64 gallon or 95 gallon. Following that period the default size will be 95 gallons for both trash and recycling. The City will purchase and provide carts for residents at no cost (and will apply for a grant that could defer costs by approximately $600k).

There is a refuse millage that has a .5 mil available to leverage; however, it will not be necessary to use that option for this project because the fund balance has $8M.

The City will set forward an information campaign in the weeks ahead that will include an FAQ website, public displays of the new carts and information included in a variety of city-wide mailings.