County Approves New 'GreenWaste' Contract

From the County of Santa Cruz: Establishing a new model for local governments across California, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new contract with recycling and waste hauler GreenWaste Recovery.

Santa Cruz County waste-diversion programs have won numerous awards as it moves toward a goal of Zero Waste, and the local waste hauler franchise agreement is a key piece of local efforts to protect the environment. The new contract also continues existing programs such as used motor oil and filter collection, holiday tree pickup and a 15 percent "Lifeline" discount for qualifying low-income customers.

“There are a lot of great things on this agreement. I think it’s one of the best in the state,” Supervisor Bruce McPherson said. Added Supervisor Ryan Coonerty: “I want to congratulate the staff on a job well done.”

Negotiations over the new agreement took approximately 18 months to complete, and includes rate increases that maintain competitveness with other local jurisdictions. “It’s been a lot of work,” County Public Works Director John Presleigh said. “I’m really proud of our staff.”

Emily Finn of GreenWaste Recovery thanked the Board and added, “We’re very excited. We believe this is a very advanced, state-of-the-art agreement. We can’t wait to start rolling out the new programs.”

The new agreement takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.

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