City of Chesterfield Approves Contract Extension with Republic Services for Solid Waste Removal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 20, 2014 

City of Chesterfield Approves Contract Extension with Republic Services for Solid Waste Removal - Contract Includes Providing New Rolling Containers for Residents at No Cost 

At the June 16 City Council meeting, the Chesterfield City Council approved a seven- year contract extension with the City’s solid waste hauling provider, Republic Services, taking the agreement through July 31, 2021.  The current rate, of $13.51/mo. has been in effect, since August 1, 2012 and will not increase until August 1, 2015.  At that time, rates will increase only 1.5% annually, through July 31, 2020.  During the seventh year of the agreement (August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021), there will be NO INCREASE in rates.  The result being that, from August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2021, rates will have increased only $1.07 TOTAL, or approximately 8/10ths of 1%, per year, for nine years. 

A Solid Waste Committee, Chaired by Public Works Director/City Engineer Jim Eckrich,  was charged with independently evaluating Republic Services’ performance, in terms of overall customer satisfaction, its commitment to environmental sustainability and rates, especially as compared to those offered in other cities throughout our region.  The Committee determined that Republic Services met or exceeded the City’s expectations and overall performance standards, in each of those areas, and then entered into negotiations regarding a contract extension, for consideration by City Council.  In addition to Mr. Eckrich, the Committee consisted of Darcy Capstick, Chairperson of the Citizens Committee for the Environment; James Mello, Management Analyst; and, Libbey Tucker, Community Services & Economic Development Director. 

In addition to limiting the rate and amount of cost increases, the terms of the contract extension include several other provisions that will benefit Chesterfield residents: 

  • 65 or 90-gallon garbage containers on wheels will be delivered to all customers at NO COST, allowing for automated trash collection. It is anticipated the new carts      will be delivered to residents in October. Letters will be sent to all customers, by Republic Services, fully-explaining this new service. In the meantime, even before these new containers have been ordered and delivered, current customers, who have been paying for the optional benefit of these mobile containers, will no longer be billed for this service, effective August 1, 2014.
  • Wheeled 65-gallon recycling containers will continue to be provided to all customers at NO COST.  Chesterfield residents generate more recycling than any other City currently served by Republic.
  • A 10% discount will continue to be provided to all those age 65 and up.
  • Optional yard waste services will NOT increase in cost, through August 1, 2015, with rates only increasing 1.5% annually through July 31, 2020. Customers can continue to contract for this optional service, for a minimum of three (3) consecutive months.
  • In addition to Christmas tree disposal for all residents, Republic will pick up pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns in the fall, at NO COST.
  • Republic Services will purchase, supply and empty trash containers weekly for every current and future bus stop in Chesterfield, AT NO COST.
  • This contract extension includes NO AUTOMATIC ESCALATORS for either labor cost increases or fuel cost increases.  Monthly costs will only be increased by the pre-determined 1.5%, for Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Collection services at the Chesterfield Amphitheater and Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex will increase during the months of high usage, including Saturday services, at NO COST to the City.
  • Bulk items will continue to be picked up FREE OF CHARGE and white goods (appliances) will be picked up at a cost of $25 per item.
  • Republic Services has converted the entire fleet serving Chesterfield to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles. CNG powered engines burn quieter and cleaner, and at a lower cost than diesel-powered engines. 

Jim Eckrich, Chairperson of the Solid Waste Committee stated, “I am very proud with the results of our negotiations and that, as approved by our Mayor and City Council, this contract extension will enable our residents to continue to receive quality services from a contractor committed to its partnership with our City, at an incredibly low price.  In fact, our research/analysis has determined that the monthly cost to Chesterfield residents, in 2021, will be almost $1.00 LESS than the AVERAGE COST CURRENTLY PAID by residents, in all cities in St. Louis County.” 

Chesterfield is a vibrant city with an exceptional blend of restaurants, retail and unique events located just about 25 minutes west of downtown St. Louis. Our city was formed in 1988 by citizens who cared deeply about the area and the quality of life and invested in two excellent school districts, as well as several outstanding private schools.  Chesterfield features over 170 restaurants and hundreds of retail shops ranging from unique family-owned stores to convenient big box retailers. Take a stroll through our beautiful parks and trails or visit a few the area’s best museums and art galleries. Visit chesterfield.mo.us for more information.