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:

1. 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.
2. Include multiple options in your bids, i.e. an automated carts versus no carts option.
3. Consider leaving recycling processing/marketing costs outside the bid and paying those separately.
4. Education of your residents is extremely important.  A better product = a better price.
5. Make sure your definitions are updated so that you are not asking a contractor to pick up a material that is not currently recyclable.
6. Be willing to change your pickup days – being flexible will help attract bidders.
7. Include a contamination clause in your specifications so the municipality has responsibility for material quality.
8. Understand the current situation – markets are very different than they were years ago.
9. A 3-year contract length with 2 one-year extensions is preferable. 
10. Consider moving to automated pickup.