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Hancock looks for better waste collection deal

HANCOCK – The city of Hancock is seeking bids from companies for trash and recyclables collection to determine if doing so would save the city money.

City Manager Glenn Anderson said the city has been collecting residents’ trash for many decades, but occasionally bids from private companies are solicited to determine if a private collector would be less expensive.

“We always analyze our costs,” he said.

The original deadline to receive bids on the trash collection service was Thursday, but Anderson said it’s been extended to April 15.

“Hancock is fully expecting three firms to make proposals,” he said.

Anderson said Hancock and Houghton are seeking bids separately on trash collection simultaneously to present a possible bidder with an economy of scale for the service.

“We’re cooperating as far as timing,” he said.

The request for bids must include curbside recycling, Anderson said. Currently, the city collects recycling once a month in bins placed at the street. The request for bids asks companies to provide a cost for bi-weekly or weekly recyclables collection.

Currently, Anderson said the city has about 300 customers who participate in the curbside recycling program generating 7 to 8 tons of material. It’s expected that will increase to 600 customers and 20 to 30 tons of material.

The city recently began taking recyclables at the city garage, also, and Anderson said that is being utilized.

“More businesses are using it than individuals,” he said.

The businesses using the drop-off mostly bring in cardboard, Anderson said.

Anderson said the contract for trash collection will have a life of five years.

It is possible the bids for trash collection received may not be financially beneficial for the city, Anderson said.

“At the end of the day, we may not change,” he said.

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