Local hauler Clean Slate pitches to take Cornish routes; council asks for sealed proposal

Keaton, who identified himself as owner of local hauler Clean Slate, told the Cornish Town Council he and a colleague had come to offer an alternative to the town’s current contractor and to explain how a local provider would operate.

"We provide roll-off services and preload services," Keaton said, summarizing his firm’s work and pitching a “service-first mentality” that he said would keep revenue local and improve responsiveness. He said Clean Slate could provide new cans, maintain and replace them, haul recycling to an in‑valley processor and grind green waste locally.

The proposal came amid questions from council members about the town’s existing contract with EconoWaste and concern that some large national buyers consolidate haulers and later raise rates. "We’re seeing private equity come in," Keaton said, warning that consolidation can lead to steep landfill and hauling price increases over time.

Council members asked detailed questions about logistics: whether Clean Slate could pick up rural routes, how the company would handle landfill tonnage charges, whether the town or the hauler would bill residents, and contract lengths. Keaton said many municipalities amortize the cost of provided cans over five years and that Clean Slate preferred multi-year terms to keep rates stable, but the company would submit options tailored to Cornish.

Joe, introduced by Keaton as a fellow driver, added that local service keeps money in the valley and can be more responsive to temporary needs such as short-term front-load service. Chair (speaker 2) pressed for concrete numbers and asked Clean Slate to return with sealed pricing for three, five and one-year options and options for using the town’s existing cans or replacing them.

The council did not take any vote on a contract. Next steps: Clean Slate will provide a written proposal and sealed bid options for the council to review before any formal procurement process begins.