New recycling agreement set to save Houston $2M in costs

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new agreement to cut back on recycling costs Friday afternoon in Houston.

The new proposed contract with Waste Management will allow the city to continue to offer recycling services without any disruption. The proposal is for a two-year contract with a $90 per ton processing fee and a guarantee to Waste Management of at least 75 percent of the city's recycling stream.

The city says glass will be eliminated from the list of items that are acceptable for placement in the green curbside recycling bins. Eliminating glass will help to lower costs.

"This agreement makes good economic sense for the city and for Waste Management," Mayor Turner said. "It reaffirms our commitment to recycling, doesn't tie the City to a long-term contract, allows Waste Management to avoid the employee layoffs that would have likely resulted from cancellation of service in Houston and provides an opportunity for potential competitors to enter the market."

A new agreement saves the city of Houston more than $900,000 per year and $2 million over the two-year period, according to officials.

The current contract between Waste Management and the city is set to expire next week. An extension was granted by Waste Management until the new proposal is considered by City Council. The proposal will be presented to City Council for approval at the March 23 meeting.