The Latest Update
For 15 years, Republic Services has been a trusted partner in Toledo, providing reliable waste collection and responsive customer service. Guided by our commitment to world‑class service, we have continuously evolved to meet the community’s needs—including recent expansion of our bulk waste collection program at no additional cost.
During the recent procurement process for a recycling and waste contractor, Republic Services submitted the lowest-cost proposal. For reasons that remain unclear, the City of Toledo has proposed to declare an emergency and waive bid procurement requirements, and is recommending that the other, more costly finalist take over the same level of service.
Selecting Republic Services would allow residents to keep more money in their pockets while preserving the reliable service the community has come to expect. It also would avoid potential service disruptions that often accompany a transition to a new provider.
Contact your councilmember to share your perspectives ahead of the vote, which is expected to take place at the City Council meeting on April 14.
Here are the Facts
- 82 Employees Living in Toledo/Lucas County
- 110 Trucks for Local Operations
- 99% On Time Service Rate
We are a Safe Operator and a Lower-Cost Option
The city has not explained why it selected the higher bid in contradiction to state law and its own ordinances, nor has it defined the “emergency” on which it is basing its decision.
- Republic Services’ bid is about $9 million less over the five-year life of the contract* and residents would not see any kind of rate increase until 2028.
- Under the proposed council action, residents would pay more each month for the exact same service.
- Republic Services is a union operation. As many as 54 union jobs could be lost.
- The City of Toledo’s ordinances state that it must conduct open public bidding and award contracts to the lowest and best bidder.
- Republic Services has a safety rate 23% better than industry average. All our trucks are equipped with cameras that monitor the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
- Residents can opt-in to state-of-the-art technology features, allowing them to track the location of their collection truck and receive real-time service updates.
See the Bid Structure for Yourself
Republic Services’ proposal includes a reduced rate in the first year, and minimal increases over time. The proposal represents a $1.7 million lower option in Year One and an estimated $9 million over 5 years. (Legislation TMP-12280)
Here's What That Means.
- Republic Services' bid is $1.7 million less for the first 12 months of service and reduces the per-household cost by 31 cents in year one. (New contract begins Sept. 1, 2026).
- That reduction provides the city with $351,936 in savings in the first 12 months.
- The City of Toledo will not see an increase in rates until 2028.
- Customers will receive the exact same services at a reduced cost under Republic Services, including:
- Weekly trash service
- Weekly bulk pick up service (same day as trash)
- Bi-weekly recycling service
Republic Services utilizes a union workforce with a 12-year average tenure. Our union drivers and mechanics recently ratified a five-year agreement, with extension options
