Solid Waste Authority awards collection franchises for four service areas; Service Area 3 set at higher vegetation level

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County moved Feb. 11 to confirm franchise awards for solid waste and recycling collection for Service Areas 1–4, ratify the selection procedure and authorize the executive director to execute resulting seven‑year franchise agreements subject to legal sufficiency review.

Staff explained the procurement: ITB‑401 covered service areas 1–4 (six bids received after Waste Pro’s nonresponsive determination was upheld), and RFP 26202 covered Service Area 5 (two qualified proposers). The award method used a delta calculation (difference between the lowest and second‑lowest bid) and limited any bidder to two service area awards.

Following discussion about geographic blending and the effect on rates, the board voted on each area: Service Area 3 was awarded to Coastal Waste & Recycling and, after Commissioner Sachs returned to the dais, the board approved the 12 cubic‑yard vegetation option for that area by a 6‑1 vote (Commissioner Weiss opposed). Service Area 1 was awarded to Coastal with the 6‑cubic‑yard option (6‑0). Service Area 4 was offered to FCC at Coastal’s price (accepted) with 6 cubic yards (6‑0). Service Area 2 was awarded to Good Companies of Florida, Inc., at 6 cubic yards (6‑0). For Service Area 5 (the RFP set‑aside), the board directed staff to renegotiate pricing with the Good Company and return with results; the board expressed concern about mobilization timelines if negotiations delayed award beyond April.

Staff and board members discussed distributional effects of blending rural/large‑lot and urban/HOA neighborhoods into single service areas. Paul Gonzales, Director of Customer Service, noted the 6‑ vs 12‑cubic‑yard difference is roughly $39 per year per account for Service Area 3 (about $3.25 per month when cart and administrative fees are included); several commissioners said they wanted to protect residents in dense HOA neighborhoods from subsidizing large‑lot vegetation pickup while others said western/agricultural communities need the larger vegetation allowance.

The board adopted Resolution No. 2026‑001 confirming awards and findings that the franchise awards serve the public interest and authorized the executive director to execute the contracts (motion carried; authorization vote recorded unanimous). Staff emphasized the awards seek to avoid service interruption when new contracts commence Oct. 1 and noted the industry trend of significant rate increases elsewhere; staff praised haulers and procurement teams for keeping rates relatively low while maintaining current service levels.