Hollister City Council members Monday approved a new 10-year agreement with Recology for waste collection services, following the county’s approval of a new deal.
The new contract comes after three bidders sought the contract from Recology, which has handled the services for the past decade. RJR Recycling and Greenwaste were the other companies to place bids on the contract.
The new contract comes with a rate increase in November.
A city council report notes that Recology proposed the lowest residential rates, had existing knowledge of the area, and would be equipped to handle a transition toward new services. A local panel of government officials also noted how Recology has a strong track record for customer service and positive support of local organizations. Waste companies, meanwhile, are required to meet new diversion mandates set forth by the state.
While rates will increase for users, franchise fees paid to the city will increase.
The latest development comes after a scoring system had ranked GreenWaste as the highest of three applicants before a March county board meeting.
The Franchise Agreement Joint Regional Agency was made up of officials from San Benito County, Hollister and San Juan Bautista. They include Supervisors Anthony Botelho and Jerry Muenzer, Hollister Councilmembers Karson Klauer and Ray Friend, and San Juan Councilman Tony Boch.
