This news item expired on Thursday, January 31, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County wants the public to know that the County will be soliciting bids soon for garbage and recycling collection services. In early 2019, the County will issue a Request For Proposals (RFP) for garbage and recycling pickup beginning in January of 2020 for people in the unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Currently, Waste Pro is the County’s waste collection provider, but its contract ends Dec. 31, 2019.
If you do not live in Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, or Woodfin then you are eligible to subscribe to waste collection and recycling pickup with Waste Pro because of the current franchise agreement with Buncombe County.
The bid process will last about two months, during which time the County will ask for public feedback about what priorities, services, and other waste-related issues are important to residents in the unincorporated areas of the county. Your feedback will be important in the Commissioners’ selection of the next trash and recycling pick up provider.
What does this mean for you?
- Service will not be interrupted, but it might be from a different provider starting in 2020.
- This is for residential service only. Commercial services are not affected.
- We want you to let us know what is important for waste collection and recycling needs.
- Online survey will be available in January of 2019.
The County’s tentative timetable for awarding a new contract is as follows:
- An RFP will be issued by Feb. 1, 2019.
- Staff and Commissioners will analyze bids through April 30, 2019.
- Commissioners will vote on a new contract in May of 2019.
Currently, Waste Pro residential collection fees are:
- Personal trash can: $46.24 quarterly or $184.96 yearly.
- With Waste Pro-provided trash can: $57.63 quarterly or $230.52 yearly in addition to a one-time trash can delivery fee of $38.95.
Selecting a trash and recycling pickup provider for residents is an important decision that involves the entire community. “Providing a platform for citizen feedback is critical as we evaluate the waste and recycling collection needs in the community,” notes County Solid Waste Director Dane Pedersen. “Input regarding possible collection service improvements will be essential for assessing the restructuring of certain contract parameters.” All feedback will be compiled and shared with the public, County staff, and the Board of Commissioners.