April 11, 2023 – Flagler County has reached an agreement with Waste Pro to retain its services for solid waste management for the unincorporated areas for the next five years, effective June 1. The county for well over a decade utilized the company’s services by piggybacking on the City of Palm Coast’s contract, but now has a solo arrangement.
“This whole process was one that we really put our heart into – our blood, sweat and tears. We have been part of the community for over 16 years,” said Waste Pro Division Manager Heather Badger-Felmet. “All of my employees are local employees. All our money we spend right here locally. We are the only CNG (compressed natural gas) facility in town. … We are going to continue to focus on what is important for Flagler County.”
The bid award allows for two additional five-year terms, by mutual consent, for a total contract term of 15 years. Waste Pro’s number one goal are the residents of Flagler County, and things have been added into this contract specific to the needs of those living in the unincorporated areas.
“I am a resident here for 29 years. My children were born and raised here,” said Badger-Felmet. “We understand what the county needs. For example, the contract had been for 2 cubic yards of yard waste, and I know that’s not enough on a regular basis. Your lots are larger than the typical lot in the City of Palm Coast. … You need more yard waste to be picked up, so I just automatically said we need to increase this to a minimum of 4 cubic yards.”
Recycling is another area that Waste Pro is willing to make changes to better accommodate unincorporated area residents.
“We own our own MRF (multi reuse facility, pronounced ‘murf’) so we are able to collect everything in the back of a rear-loader, which saves your residents from having to separate everything,” Badger-Felmet said. “That’s another benefit Waste Pro has that our competitors don’t.”
The cost of service has gone up, which Waste Pro said was inevitable given inflation. The annual cost to residents will be $384.60 per unit (or $32.05 per month), which is paid via the property tax bill, and slightly less than $3 million per year to Flagler County.
County Administrator Heidi Petito said the residential fee will be collected 100% upfront for new construction.
“That fee will be taken care of until we can get them on the tax roll,” she said. “We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Waste Pro.”
Follow Flagler County Government on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.
