Recycle Right... Contracting Tips for Success and Strategies for Cleaning up the Curbside Mix
A vendors top 10 things to consider when contracting for recycling pick up or processing:
- Include more time during the bidding process and starting a contract. 30-60 days is not enough time for a hauler to prepare to collect in a new town.
- Include multiple options in your bids, i.e. an automated carts versus no carts option.
- Consider leaving recycling processing/marketing costs outside the bid and paying those separately.
- Education of your residents is extremely important. A better product = a better price.
- Make sure your definitions are updated so that you are not asking a contractor to pick up a material that is not currently recyclable.
- Be willing to change your pickup days – being flexible will help attract bidders.
- Include a contamination clause in your specifications so the municipality has responsibility for material quality.
- Understand the current situation – markets are very different than they were years ago.
- A 3-year contract length with 2 one-year extensions is preferable.
- Consider moving to automated pickup.