Michigan city looks to transition to single-hauler collection

The city of Portage, Michigan, is exploring a transition to a single-hauler waste collection system in an effort to streamline waste collection, yard waste and recycling services for residents.

In January, the city council amended the City Code of Ordinances to allow for an exclusive provider to handle the collection and processing of solid waste, bulk items, yard waste and recyclables.

Currently, three different waste companies operate throughout Portage. This patchwork approach results in overlapping routes, variable pricing from household to household, heavy truck traffic on neighborhood streets, traffic congestion, safety hazards and a larger environmental footprint, the city says.

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A single-hauler system would consolidate waste and recycling services under one provider using an optimized citywide route to reduce heavy truck traffic, improves efficiency, reduces emissions and increases accountability.

The city says this decision reflects long-standing city council goals to deliver waste services that are more cost-effective, efficient, transparent and less damaging to public infrastructure. Following a comprehensive analysis and a competitive bidding process, city officials are recommending the selection of a single provider to enhance public safety, lower costs and simplify waste collection for Portage households.

The Portage City Council will review the city administration’s recommendation and vote on the selected provider during an upcoming city council meeting. If approved, the transition to a single-hauler system is expected to begin in the coming months.