BACKGROUND:
Republic Services partnered with Pittsfield Township in 2009 to make us the first community in Washtenaw County to provide single stream recycling. Since then, we have renewed their contract but in light of increasing costs and declining customer service, we felt it essential to go out to bid rather than merely renew Republic’s contract this time around.
To that end, a bid for solid waste and recycling services was put out in April. Two (2) Bids were received on May 27, 2020: Stevens Disposal ($23.50/month) and Republic Services ($18.50/month).
Not only is the Republic bid lower than the alternative, the cost being proposed by them - even after the annual increases – place the costs lower in 2025 than they are currently! In addition, to address the customer service issue, the proposed Republic contract provides for a daily customer service check-in by them with Township staff. The contract provides for: Weekly curbside rubbish collection; Weekly curbside recycle collection; Weekly curb¬side yard waste collection (Seasonal); and Bulk item curbside collection (upon request).
Republic's price of $18.50 per month is a reduction of $3.15 from their current contract price without a reduction in services. The proposed contract has an effective date of January 1, 2021.