The City of Albany was satisfied with the performance of its existing franchise hauler Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC); however, the term of the agreement was nearing expiration. The City wanted to enhance its diversion programs and consolidate its three franchise agreements through sole source negotiations with WMAC.
HF&H Solutions
HF&H assisted with negotiations of a ten-year extension to the City of Albany’s existing franchise agreements with WMAC. The negotiation process involved consolidating three separate franchise agreements (for solid waste, recyclables, and yard waste collection services) into a single, comprehensive franchise agreement; soliciting and evaluating a proposal from WMAC for the future services and several optional service modifications; comparing the rate proposal to other nearby jurisdictions; negotiating the final terms and conditions of the agreement and rates; and presenting the agreement to the Albany City Council. The process involved examination of service options including the cost differential between curbside or backyard service and weekly or bi-weekly collection service.
Results
Negotiations resulted in an increase in services and franchise fees, and an overall rate decrease of 8%;
Enhanced diversion services including implementation of single-stream recyclables collection and requirements that multi-family complexes receive at least 24 gallons of recycling capacity per week per unit;
Specification for contractor to divert 50% of construction and demolition debris collected; and,
Right to include food waste collection and processing at a later date, or City right to contract with another hauler.
