News Flash

Council Approves Centralized Solid Waste Collection

Homepage Spotlight - ALL NEWS Posted on January 30, 2025 | Last Updated on January 31, 2025

The Sahuarita Town Council has approved a plan to centralize residential solid waste collection services, set to commence on September 1, 2025. Under the contract with Waste Connections, residents will benefit from a fixed monthly rate of $22.75, guaranteed for the first four years of service. Residents are directed to the FAQ page for up-to-date information as the program details become available. 

The monthly rate will cover the weekly removal of one 96-gallon capacity trash cart and one 96-gallon capacity mixed recycling cart.  A by-appointment quarterly bulk waste pick-up is also covered under the monthly rate.   

The $22.75/mo fixed rate is broken down as follows: 

Vendor Rate Yr 1-4:        $18.18 

Bin Finance Charge:      $0.90 (Town will finance the purchase of new bins) 

Town Admin Fee:              $2.53 (HR, Legal, Finance, Admin, + 1.5 new FTEs for program mgt.) 

Fixed Option Charge:    $1.14 (Median cost to account for projected inflation) 

                Total:                          $22.75/mo (Yr 1 – 4)  

Billing and customer service will be managed by Waste Connections, with support and accountability from the Town of Sahuarita. Those who have a waste volume of more than the allotted 96-gallon bins can add an additional bin for $6.46 per bin.  

Town leaders are in negotiations about the possibility of two adjacent properties sharing an account. Under this arrangement, accounts that are shared will pay the full monthly rate but will not receive quarterly bulk trash services.  

The new service will take effect on September 1, 2025. It is the individual resident’s responsibility to give adequate cancelation notice to their existing provider before the new service start date. Negotiations are underway for the removal of existing carts and delivery of new carts – residents will be notified as those details come together. 

Waste Connections of Arizona was the vendor awarded the contract following a thorough Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated in the summer of 2024 for solid waste services. Three companies submitted proposals: Waste Management, Republic Services, and Waste Connections. Of the proposals received, Waste Connections offered the lowest rates, ranked first in value criteria, and the most robust benefits to the community.  

Key benefits of the centralized system include: 

  • Improved Safety: Reducing the number of garbage trucks on neighborhood streets will decrease the likelihood of accidents.
  • Road Preservation: Fewer heavy trucks will minimize road wear and tear, extending the lifespan of our streets.
  • Enhanced Service Standards: Residents can expect clear and consistent service expectations, leading to improved customer experiences.
  • Competitive Pricing: Leveraging the collective purchasing power of the community will help secure favorable rates and additional services, such as curbside bulk trash pickup.

For more detailed information about the transition and its benefits, residents are encouraged to visit the Solid Waste Collection FAQ page at https://sahuaritaaz.gov/faq.aspx?TID=52

The Town of Sahuarita is committed to keeping residents informed throughout this transition. Further details, including timelines, billing information, and customer support resources, will be communicated in the coming months. 

The Mayor, Town Council, and Town of Sahuarita staff appreciate the thoughtful input and involvement from residents to help make this important improvement in community services. 

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Community Contact 
Daniel Logan 
Deputy Director, Public Works 
Town of Sahuarita 
Dlogan@SahuaritaAZ.gov