Palm Coast – At the Palm Coast City Council meeting on February 15 at 9 a.m., City staff will present an agreement between the City of Palm Coast and Waste Pro Inc. for a one-year extension to solid waste collection services for Palm Coast residents. The structure of the agreement will result in an increase to monthly residential rates from $20.36 per household to $29.97 per household beginning on June 1, 2022.
In a letter received by the City of Palm Coast, Waste Pro estimated the rate for services on the temporary one-year extension contract to be $33.88 per month per household. Waste Pro attributed the 68% rate increase to significant changes in the economy and labor market, as well as inflation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After further analysis of the proposed Waste Pro extension contract, City staff was able to reduce the cost to $29.97 per month per household. This reduction was achieved by suspending underutilized programs such as the Recycling Rewards and the Hazardous Waste Collection programs. These programs will be re-evaluated in the future.
The Recycling Rewards and the Hazardous Waste Collection programs will be temporarily suspended beginning on March 17, 2022.
Residents with hazardous waste can dispose of their items free of charge by contacting Flagler County Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste at 386-517-2075 or by visiting 1700 S. Old Kings Road on Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
City staff further reduced costs by establishing new limitations for yard waste and bulk items. Yard waste will be limited to two cubic yards once a week, which is the industry standard. Bulk items will be limited to three cubic yards.
In March 2021, the City of Palm Coast submitted a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified companies for Residential Solid Waste Collection Services in preparation for the current contract’s expiration. During the RFP process, the City received only two bids: one from FCC Environmental Services and one from Waste Pro.
Subsequent to the evaluation process and prior to negotiations, Waste Pro filed a bid protest. Upon further examination of the RFP, it was determined that there was a lack of information in both proposals. In the best interest of the residents, the City rejected the both proposals.
The City of Palm Coast will begin the RFP process for the new service contract on February 23, 2022, and the selected service provider will be recommended to City Council in June 2022. The new contract will begin in June 2023.
This 12-month period will not only allow for more participation in the bidding process, but it will also allow the selected service provider the time necessary to prepare to execute the new contract and ensure adequate equipment and staffing needs. The City believes these are two elements that will greatly benefit all residents.
For more information, contact the Public Information and Engagement Department by emailing Communications@palmcoastgov.com.
Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Brittany N. Kershaw, Director Public Information & Engagement