Becoming a single hauler community has lots of benefits, two of the biggest being curbside recycling for residents and cost savings for services!

A shared contract could give residents curbside recycling along with trash pickup, with the cost included in one price. The township can also set expectations for the hauler, such as senior pricing, different cart sizes, and who residents can contact if there’s a problem.

It could mean fewer garbage trucks traveling the same roads, too. Instead of several haulers serving one street, one truck could pick up trash each week, with recycling picked up every other week. That could reduce wear and tear on township roads.

No, the contract would not apply to any business trash services, or dumpsters at residential location, such as those used for farms, etc. Anyone using a dumpster for trash would still choose their own hauler. 

Cost would be determined and selected during the bidding process. Each hauler gets the opportunity to give their best pricing, in order to gain the business of the entire township. Then the price is fixed for the duration of the contract. After the contract is complete (typically 3 years), the township would bid out the contract again and haulers (including the one who had the current contract) would compete to get that contract. 

Awarding the bid would require a vote by a majority of the trustees at a Township Trustee meeting. Residents can attend a meeting, or contact their trustees to share their opinions. 

Things to note: 

• All bids received would be public record. Trustees would discuss terms and details during Township Trustee meetings that are open to the public.

• The contract legally does NOT have to go to the lowest bidder. The choice can be based on the lowest and “best” bid. Bid packages can include other factors for the decision, such as customer service reputation, service history, waste regulation compliance, familiarity with the area, and being a local company. As long as the language is in the bid package, these can all be considered before making the “best” choice. Being a local company provides a financial benefit to the township and can legally be considered as part of the “best” bid.

No. The single-hauler contract would only be good for typically 3 years. After that time, the trustees can go out to bid again and keep the same single-hauler system with the same hauler, a different hauler, or they can choose to let residents go back to everyone choosing their own hauler. Nothing is permanent. 

No. The Trustees can reject ALL bids and just continue with the current way things are done – everyone choosing their own hauler. 

The predicted savings is an average. With open market contracts, everyone on your street likely pays a different rate for their trash service. Some are able to negotiate lower prices or keep switching service to get that “honeymoon period” pricing for the 1^st year. Others may pay a little more. In a single-hauler contract, the rates are fixed for everyone. Check for yourself. Compare your rate with your neighbors in “single-hauler” communities:

Middlefield Village – (trash and recycling) – $17.00/mo., $16.00/mo. for seniors

Burton Village – (trash and recycling) – $19.72/mo., $16.00/mo. for seniors

City of Chardon – (trash and recycling) $18.01/mo., $16.21/mo. for seniors

Newton Falls Village – (trash and recycling) –  $18.76/mo., $30/pack of 10 bags for bag-only service

Weathersfield Township – $18.70/mo. trash only, $20.30/mo. trash and recycling, $3.25/bag for bag-only service

This depends on the selected bid. Most haulers typically charge for “bulky” item pickup, from $30-75 per item. The trustees could include bulky items as included in the contract, or could negotiate a reduced fee to cover all bulky items that residents put out to the curb. Final cost would depend on the final contract negotiated with the chosen hauler. 

You would receive a bill from the hauler and pay in the same way you do now. 

As part of a contract, the trustees can require a specific contact at the hauler for issues and complaints. You would be able to call them directly (instead of a call center). If it is a significant issue, you could speak to one of your trustees and they could potentially address it as a problem with the contract.