Republic Assumes Waste, Recycling Collection in Flint, Michigan

Republic Services Inc. is taking over waste and recycling collection for Flint, Mich., adding a curbside recycling program and saving the city about $1 million annually.

Phoenix-based Republic said under the five-year public-private partnership agreement it will purchase Flint’s collection trucks for $1.5 million, serve the city’s municipal waste needs, including city-sanctioned events, and launch a recycling education campaign, according to a company news release.

Also, workers in the sanitation department for the city of about 100,000 will have the opportunity to join Republic.

Republic said public-private partnerships help municipalities lower costs and provide consistent safety training and service standards, greater efficiency,  risk mitigation, economies of scale, and trucks operating with more environmentally friendly fuel.

"Today's announcement is a victory for the city of Flint and its residents," said Chris Synek, executive vice president of sales and customer experience for Republic. "The city will benefit through cost savings, and residents and businesses will enjoy additional services, including curbside recycling."

Republic operates the Citizen's Disposal landfill and has provided residential, commercial and industrial service to the Flint area for more than two decades. The company employs 80 people at its Flint office.