Fort Collins City Council unanimously approved the city entering a contract for waste pickup with national hauler Republic Services. The decision came after the draft contract was released in early February to allow time for community members and council to review it. Republic was selected out of three haulers during a competitive bidding process that started last September.
Under the contract, all residents in single-family homes — save for those in homeowner’s associations that opt out of receiving waste pickup through the contract — will receive weekly trash and recycling pickup, seasonal yard trimming pickup and two bulky item pickups annually. Council decided to approve weekly recycling pickup rather than biweekly, noting how recycling needs have changed in the last three years as people work from home and order more goods online.
Monthly prices range from $11.10 for the extra-small cart size to $109.10 for the extra-large cart size. If a resident opts out of the yard trimming collection the price for all but the extra-small size will be reduced by $5. Residents can opt out of the service entirely and use a different provider for a monthly fee of $11.10. Some city staff and council members had expressed concerns about Republic’s service based on citizens’ comments, social media or internet reviews of the company, but that ultimately didn’t prevent any yes votes.