Dewey set to select residential trash vendor
Story Location:
Dewey Beach, DE
United States
Dewey Beach has issued a request for proposals for a single contractor to collect all residential trash and recycling collections. Three companies looking to procure the contract attended a mandatory meeting Sept. 22.
The initiative began almost a year ago. The town came close to signing a contract with Millsboro-based Waste Industries in February for the service this past summer, but ultimately officials decided to hold off because of doubts related to the town’s infrastructure.
In late spring, council created the trash and recycling committee, which has now been meeting for months hammering out ideas, talking with property owners and fine tuning a plan.
Representatives from Waste Industries, Georgetown-based Waste Management and Seaford-based Peninsula Trash attended the mandatory meeting for bidders.
Committee Chair Debbie Knight said three strong vendors are interested.
“I hope we get a good price,” said Knight.
The RFP estimates the number of property units at 1,750, a majority of which are single-family properties.
Two days from being appointed mayor, Commissioner Dale Cooke said the town was looking for a company that was going to provide the service and be willing to work with the town because the first year was going to be hell.
“Everyone who wants to complain will,” he said. “But this is right for Dewey, and we want to make sure it goes smoothly.”
As part of the proposal, the service would run from May 1 to Oct. 1 for all residential properties, except for mixed-used properties who share dumpsters with first-floor commercial establishments.
In season, the contractor would collect trash on Mondays and Fridays, and recycling on Mondays.
Out of season, the contractor would offer alternative services, which include no service for unoccupied properties and basic service for trash and recycling once a week.
If a property owner requests, the contract would offer valet trash can service and extra trash cans at additional expense.
The winning bidder will become the only collection service issued a business license by the town.
The bids are due no later than Tuesday, Oct. 5. A trash and recycling committee meeting to discuss the bids has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.
Dewey Beach commissioners are expecting a recommendation from the committee because a discussion on the subject has been scheduled during their monthly town meeting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, in the life saving station.
