Oregon: Refuse collection contract renewed

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Oregon City Council has approved a contract extension with Republic Services of Toledo for curb-side refuse collection and recycling service that will include increases in each of the next three years.
The current monthly rate of $13.97 per unit for trash and recyclable items increases to $15.48 on Dec. 1 – an increase of 10.8 percent.
The monthly rates also increase by 5 percent on Dec. 1, 2025 and Dec. 1, 2026 – to $16.26 and $17.07 respectively.
The city’s current 5-year agreement with Republic Services expires Nov. 30 of this year.
Paul Roman, director of public service, told council the new agreement compares favorably with those of other municipalities.
“Some of the newer contracts with our neighboring cities had a unit cost for limited service that was just as high as what is being offered in this extension,” he said. “To me, the only way you’ll see a savings at this point is to go to limited, which would be less service. Even when you do that, we would not receive bids for unlimited service. Maybe one.”
The disposal of yard waste is the biggest issue facing the city’s refuse collection program, he said.
“I think over the next couple of years we need to work toward removing yard waste because that will be the requirement for future bids. Even if you went to bid now they may offer you a price but say they don’t accept yard waste. I think this gives us a little time to plan,” Roman said.
According to information compiled by the company in response to questions from city council:
- 80-85 percent of city residents utilize a second cart.
- About 80 percent use the unlimited option with bags and larger items next to the cart. A majority of this is yard waste from May through October.
-Other communities utilize bag tags. Any bags on the ground could be serviced by bag tags for a price. Bulk items are usually considered anything that requires the drivers to leave the truck to collect.
The city administration plans to compile information covering rules for residents on placing refuse at the curb.
An ordinance establishing fines for violations may be presented to council, Roman said.