Republic Services Inc. has signed an agreement to buy JRM Hauling and Recycling Services Inc., the Peabody-based company that has contracts with several local municipalities for residential trash collection. The agreement was announced last week in a letter to employees from JRM owners James R. Motzkin and James S. Motzkin.
According to the letter, the deal is scheduled to close in mid-May and is subject to regulatory approval. The sale also includes GreenWorks, JRM’s recycling plant in Peabody. It is unclear what impact a sale would have on local trash collection. Officials from JRM and Republic did not return messages for this story. Peabody City Councilor David Gamache, who represents the ward where JRM’s headquarters is located and whose brother is the general manager for JRM, said he hopes the transition will be seamless for the city and for residents.
“JRM has done a wonderful job with the city of Peabody and has given the city great rates every time their contract comes up,” Gamache said. “I’m sure the city is going to miss them and I hope Republic continues on with that course.” Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill said the sale will not affect Beverly’s contract with JRM. “The new owners will be obligated to honor the contract,” Cahill said. “We look forward to meeting them and getting to work with us.”