2024 Garbage and Recycling Contract FAQ

Why are North Bend’s garbage and recycling service rates higher than nearby communities?

All King County cities that recently went to bid for these services during the past several years faced a significant increase in rates due to an abnormally competitive environment. During the same time span, there has been a decrease in the value of recyclables and a significant increase in inflation.  

New contracts such as North Bend’s have resulted in higher prices than older and expiring contracts in neighboring communities. Contracts such as those that began before approximately 2015 are also expected to face a significant increase in rates when they get renewed, or they select a new service provider.

Why do rates vary between different cities that use the same service providers?

There are a variety of factors that affect costs for garbage and recycling services, such as:  

• level of services provided
• the size of city
• the distance from disposal sites and pickup locations
• start-up cost of a new service provider versus the renegotiation with an existing service provider
• length of contract
• credit for missed deliveries

Why have rates increased for all new hauler contracts?

Haulers have stated that their costs have increased due to:

• inflation
• increase in gas prices
• labor/staffing 
• a decrease in the value of recyclable materials
• an increase in composting and garbage disposal costs, and other related expenses

How did the three bids for the City’s contract rate on a scale of cost to customers?

The City of North Bend’s procurement process resulted in bids from Waste Management, the City’s previous provider Republic Services, and Recology King County:

• Waste Management submitted the overall highest bid.
• Republic Services, the City’s previous provider, submitted the lowest overall residential and commercial bid, which was only very slightly less than Recology’s bid. However, recent years reflected citizen dissatisfaction with this provider, with a reported lack of support during winter storms and out-of-state union strikes, notably during 2019 and 2022.
• Recology submitted the lowest residential rates, and they offered a 12-year contract as opposed to a 10-year contract.

Why did the Council select Recology as the City’s new garbage and recycling service?

On March 21, 2023, the North Bend City Council approved a 12-year contract with Recology, an established provider serving 11 cities in the region. In addition to submitting the lowest residential rates and offering a 12-year contract as opposed to a 10-year contract, the Council recognized Recology’s solid performance in contract compliance, customer service, community outreach, and education in other communities.

Please explain why the prior garbage and recycling services contract was significantly cheaper in 2010 than in 2024.

The original Republic contract that was bid in 2010 closely followed the 2008/09 recession. Bid prices were significantly low at that time, and highly competitive. A 10-year contract with two (2) two-year allowances to extend it provided North Bend customers with low rates on solid waste removal services for many years. Upon expiration of the extended contract, the City had to seek bids for a new contract. As a result, the City began a lengthy and detailed procurement process in 2022.

How do I get answers from Recology?

You can connect with Recology King County in the following ways:

• Recology-North Bend website: https://www.recology.com/recology-king-county/north-bend/ 
• Customer service phone: (425) 448-6220 
• Email: North-Bend@recology.com
• North Bend Pay-by-phone: (877) 464-0868
• Stop by the Recology Store in Issaquah, located at 317 NW Gilman Blvd, #22
• Text Recology, at (206) 369-8604

Why does the current rate differ from the estimate that was provided in the proposal of the contract?

During the City's 2022 procurement process, service providers proposed rates in 2022 dollars. The contract allowed for rate adjustments for 2023 and 2024 before the contract's start date based on CPI inflation, King County per-ton disposal fees and a new King County tipping fee.

Where are the electric trucks Recology and the City has mentioned as a benefit?

The hauler trucks Recology is currently using are new rentals tagged with Recology logos and contact information. New, permanent Recology trucks are expected to arrive this fall, which is ahead of the contract schedule. We look forward to seeing them in action!

In addition, residents might notice several electric Ford Pickup trucks with Recology logos in North Bend. These are driven by management staff who visit communities that are serviced by Recology King County.