In a unanimous 5-0 City Council vote on March 9, Southern California-based Athens Services was awarded the exclusive 15-year franchise waste and recycling collection contract for the City of Thousand Oaks, California. The new agreement aims to advance recycling and compliance with new organics waste regulations.
In a late-night motion, the Council moved to award Athens the contract based on a recommendation from City staff and R3 Consulting Group. The recommendation rated Athens as the top respondent among four proposals. Athens’ proposal rated #1 in service rates, qualifications, technical approach, sustainability programs, and customer service. The 15-year contract includes waste hauling, recycling, and street-sweeping services beginning January 1, 2022.
City Council members cited Athens’ commitment to advancing recycling programs, investments in the local community, and competitive rates as the reasons for their support. According to the staff report, on average, residential households will save $150 annually relative to current charges, a total annual savings to residents across the city of $4.7 million.
“This is a great achievement for Athens, but more importantly, for the residents and businesses in Thousand Oaks,” said Executive Vice President Gary Clifford.
“Athens’ industry-leading recycling and diversion programs will bene t not only the City of Thousand Oaks, but also Ventura County at large,” said Athens Executive Vice President Cesar Torres, who will oversee the company’s management of the contract.
Athens will service the city with a fleet of new near-zero-emissions vehicles powered by renewable natural gas (RNG). These vehicles will be procured utilizing a Thousand Oaks address to maintain sales tax revenues in the city. This is part of Athens’ commitment to invest in the community and support local businesses while also hiring locals.
Incumbents’ employees displaced by the award will be offered employment opportunities and generous bonuses by Athens Services. As Clifford stated, “Athens will push recycling programs forward with reverence for the past, while maintaining what worked.”