The future of the Village’s solid waste disposal program will be the topic at a public hearing slated for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.
The Village Council will consider ordinance changes that would terminate the current program. If the changes are adopted, a five-year contract would be authorized with solid waste hauler Green for Life Environmental Inc. (GFL) for all residential curbside and residential dumpster services within the Village limits. GFL would be the sole residential waste hauler and any other entity or individual currently providing residential pick up in the village limits will be required to cease operations.
Village Manager Allison Watkins stated, “The Village is at a crossroads with the garbage program. We are in a position where we will have to spend a great deal of funds to replace our aging garbage truck. A newer truck would require a significant increase in garbage fees. With only approximately 40% of all Village residents currently utilizing the Village’s garbage program it is important to explore cost-saving options.”
A competitive bid process was followed to solicit proposals from interested parties. Bids from both GFL and Zellar Sanitation, Inc. were received and considered by the Village Council. GFL pricing and available amenities led council to accept their bid on January 18, 2022.
If approved, the transition from Village services to GFL would be over the course of several months. Residential customers would be required to contract directly with GFL using pricing set through the bidding process. Commercial business customers within the Village will be allowed to continue contracting with the solid waste company of their choice.
“I am excited about this potential partnership and think it is in the best interest of all Village residents. One of the biggest benefits is GFL’s ability to provide individual rolling carts and curbside recycling for residents, which is something that customers have been requesting for several years. Contracting to GFL will allow us to retire our aging truck and work to reduce and eliminate the monthly $4.50 Village garbage fee charged to all residents,” Watkins said.
The public hearing will take place Tuesday, March 15, at 6 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible) at the Village of Newberry Council Chambers, 307 E. McMillan Ave., Newberry, Mich. The council will then vote on the action at the regular meeting which takes place immediately following the public hearing.
The Village Council welcomes written and/or verbal comments regarding the change in solid waste services. Any written comments received by Thursday, March 10 at 4 p.m. in the Village Office will be included in the council meeting packet.
