Century Residents Face a $10 Monthly Increase with New Waste Provider: A Smooth Transition or a Cause for Concern?
In February, residents of Century will witness a significant change in their waste management services. For the first time in over three decades, the town has decided to switch waste providers, marking a new era in local waste collection. Residents can expect to see their monthly bills increase by over $10, a substantial change in their waste management expenses.
The town has chosen Waste Pro as the new provider, replacing Republic Services. This decision comes after a thorough evaluation process, where Waste Pro outperformed Republic Services in terms of cost proposals, service plans, equipment, and community engagement. The evaluation committee's scores reflected this, with Waste Pro receiving an impressive average score of 93.5, compared to Republic Services' 72.3.
The transition will be seamless, according to the town's statement. On the regular collection day, Republic Services will continue its usual service, emptying carts and then exchanging them for new Waste Pro carts. This ensures that residents won't experience any disruptions in their waste collection.
Waste Pro's collection schedule is as follows: Yard waste will be collected in a green cart with a black lid on Tuesdays, and regular garbage will be collected in a green cart with a blue lid on Fridays. The official start date for this new system is January 3, 2026. Residents are advised to keep an eye out for the new carts and ensure they are ready for collection.
If a resident doesn't receive their new Waste Pro cart by January 31, they are encouraged to contact the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208 for assistance. It's important to note that current, active customers with Waste Pro service do not need to take any action to receive the new carts or begin the new service.
The town's decision to switch providers was a strategic move. After three decades of renewing agreements with Republic Services, the town sought an updated agreement or a new provider. The evaluation process revealed that Waste Pro offered a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution, addressing key weaknesses identified in Republic Services' proposals.
The town's document highlights Waste Pro's strengths, including their consistent high scores across various evaluators. This decision ensures that Century residents will benefit from improved waste management services, even if it means a slight increase in their monthly bills. The town's commitment to evaluating and improving services is a positive step towards a more efficient and resident-friendly waste management system.
As the transition unfolds, residents can expect a more reliable and environmentally conscious waste collection process. The town's proactive approach to seeking better services is a testament to its dedication to the well-being of its community. While the $10 monthly increase may be a concern, the town's efforts to ensure a smooth transition and improved services are a positive development for Century residents.
