Contract Services

City of Manhattan Beach

Competitive Procurement of a Solid Waste Collection Contract

2000

Client Needs

The City’s current solid waste collection agreement was expiring.  The City was interested in implementing more effective recycling programs.  All residential services were manual, and the co-collection of refuse and green waste was ineffective.  The City had conducted a limited pilot program for automating service.  Varying terrain and container storage capacity were issues.

HF&H Solutions

The City retained HF&H to prepare an RFP and franchise agreement, manage the procurement process, evaluate proposal, interview finalists, and negotiate the final agreement.

We determined that the majority of the City in the inland area was suitable for automated refuse, recycling and green waste service and implemented three cart service.  Manual collection was retained in the coastal area where streets were too narrow and properties too small to accommodate larger automated vehicles.  The coastal area generated little green waste, so only refuse and recyclables service was provided in this area.

Results

• Reduced overall rates by 3%, saving ratepayers $600,000 over the 7-year term
• Residential curbside diversion increased to 45% to 50%   
• Over 95% residential recycling program participation rate
• Commercial recycling accounts increased from 60 to 355 in two years
• Commercial diversion increased from 6% to 25% in two years   
• Fixed disposal costs for contract term
• Reimbursement of procurement costs by contractor
• Collection at no additional charge at City-sponsored events
• Recycling fee of $20,000 per year remitted to City
• Three-cart automation of majority of City, all new carts
• New residential containers throughout City
• Free commercial and multi-family recycling
• Electronic waste collection
• Improved reporting and performance requirements