Garbage rates could rise 21% outside Asheville, unincorporated areas; county to vote
Garbage collection costs for Buncombe County residents in unincorporated areas are set to rise at least 21% as county leaders hash out a new solid waste hauler contract.
The rate increase is likely to be part of a contract with proposed new garbage collector FCC Environmental Services of Houston, Texas, a firm recommended by county staff. The 21% rise on the $23.66 monthly basic garbage and recycling service price would actually be nearly the same or less than a proposal by the current contractor Waste Pro.
A new contract with FCC could be finalized after two votes by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on May 7 and May 21.
In 2020, prices for weekly trash and biweekly recycling began at $19.21 per month for Buncombe County residents under Waste Pro, a company with corporate headquarters in Longwood, Florida. That price slowly increased due to consumer price index-induced additions and other small fees. It reached $22.55 per month in 2023.
Waste Pro in 2024 raised that rate to $23.66 after the county increased the "tipping fee" for its landfill as well as an uptick in the CPI of 3.1%. In November, commissioners voted to open up the contract, potentially for a new provider.
Starting for Jan. 1, 2025, FCC proposed a $28.65 monthly rate. In its proposal, Waste Pro gave two options: $29.86 with an increase in 2027 or $28.52 with an increase in 2026.
At the commissioners April 16 meeting, county Solid Waste Director Dane Pederson said FCC presented the best contract when considering prices and services.
"So, the staff recommendation that you will hear May 7 at your regular meeting will be the recommendation of approval of the solid waste franchise contract with FCC environmental LLC," Pederson told commissioners.
In an April 16 news release on the possible new contractor, the county said there would be "notable enhancements" including "technology and access improvements and dedicated community engagement."
"Additionally, FCC proposes new carts that will be owned by Buncombe County government at the end of the contract tenure, no fee for replacement carts and seven-day turnaround time for new cart delivery, as well as rigorous spill and leakage management and response," the release said.
In the first two years of the contract the price would remain the same for subscribers, "ensuring affordability and consistency," it said.
In it's proposal, Waste Pro emphasized its relationships with customers.
"We believe in always doing our best by our neighbors. This focus on local relationships drives our commitment to creating more sustainable, cost-effective waste and recycling solutions. 'Caring for Our Communities' is both our motto and the hallmark of Waste Pro founder John Jennings’s business philosophy," Regional Vice President Chip Gingles wrote.
Proposed new garbage contract
Here are some aspects of the proposed FCC contract:
Basic Service: Priced at $28.65 per month.
Premium Service: Available at $59.00 per month. Premium Service includes additional driving beyond the pre-determined pick-up locations that may also require use of special equipment.
Additional Services: "Bear Carts" available for purchase at $320 or a monthly lease of $10.16, and additional carts with service at a monthly lease of $12.
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Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Garbage rates could to rise 21% outside Asheville, municipalities
