Flint Outsources Garbage Collection, Brings Back Curbside Recycling
FLINT (WWJ/AP) - Flint's emergency financial manager says he's outsourcing the city's garbage collection services.
Ed Kurtz made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the move will save the city $600,000 in the first year.
Kurtz said he expects a "pretty seamless transition" from collection by municipal workers to the contract with Republic Services. He said Republic will start work March 4 under a $4 million contract.
The change also will restore curbside recycling service, which ended in 2001. Recycling collection will happen every other week and is expected to start in about three months. Recycling bins will be provided by Republic once the recycling program is rolled out, The Flint Journal reported.
The city has 24 waste collection workers, who can get severance pay if they don't sue. Kurtz said eligible workers will receive $500 for each year of service, up to a maximum of $10,000. The employees will also receive hiring preference with Republic, company officials said.
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