Mayor presents recommendation for solid waste contract

The City of Omaha's solid waste contract expires at the end of next year, and Mayor Jean Stothert is recommending a new contract that is $7 million more than the current contract.

In a press conference held Tuesday afternoon, Stothert said the price increase wouldn't increase taxes.

"We have been budgeting very efficiently in the last five years and we feel like with our present revenue that we can work this amount into the budget without a tax increase," Stothert said.

She said that after three years of studies and looking into options she is supporting a bid from FCC Environmental, which she said is the lowest bid and the best value for taxpayers.

The contract would last 10 years, with two possible five-year extensions.

Trash bins would still need to be placed on the curb. The city would provide two 96-gallon carts, one for trash and yard waste, and one for recycling.

That means yard waste would go to a landfill instead of being collected separately and turned into Omaha Gro Compost.

The contract would cost $22.6 million annually, which includes the cost of carts and spring and fall cleanup.

The proposal will be read to the city council next week and will face a vote on April 30.

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