Stockton's solid waste and recycling program was outdated and hadn't been updated since 1993. The City also had to comply with a state law (AB 939) which requires every California city and county to divert 50% of their waste from our landfills. Current efforts have resulted in a 47% diversion in 2000 and 41% diversion in 2001.

The City's program now includes wheeled carts for collection of trash, single stream recycling (where all glass, aluminum, plastic, paper, cardboard, scrap metal and small appliances are collected together in one cart), and green waste and food waste collection.

Recycling services have been greatly expanded to help the City reach its diversion requirement. Many items which you now throw away as trash such as cardboard, junk mail, magazines, or plastic containers with a recycling number of 3 or higher will now be collected and recycled.

2

Use your recycling container/bin as much as possible. There is no charge for this service. Then reduce the size of your garbage container or frequency of pickup, to take advantage of more favorable rates.

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3

Commercial garbage rates are locked in for 15 years. Cost of living adjustments are limited to 50% of the CPI and are subject to prior approval by the City. Also, your street will be swept more frequently, presenting a friendlier environment for your customers.

4

The program includes recycling and green waste and food waste collection service for all multi-family and commercial customers.

Industrial customers (manufacturers, food processors, factories) are excluded from the new contract and will continue to receive service from permitted or contracted haulers.

5

The new contract has a 15-year term with an optional 5-year extension. The 15-year term allows the garbage company to spread the costs of new trucks and equipment over a longer period of time to keep rates lower. The contract has a provision that allows the City to change the scope of the agreement if the City needs new programs in the future. If changes to the scope of work result in a cost savings, the garbage company must pass those savings on to the rate payers. If changes in the scope of work result in cost increases, the garbage company will be compensated for the increased costs through increased rates.

6

The contract allows the City to assess liquidated damages for poor performance including missed pickups, poor customer service or failure to meet diversion requirements. If the garbage company accrues excessive fines, or defaults on the contract, the contract can be terminated by the City Council.