Solid Waste Management: A Guide for Competitive Contracting for Collection

Abstract:

Over 50 percent of U.S. cities of varying sizes contract all or part of their refuse collection services. The National Solid Wastes Management Association (now Environmental Industries Association) has estimated that at least 50 percent of disposal capacity is privately owned and operated. U.S. models of privatization take many forms. For collection services, at least six different models of private sector service delivery exist. The breadth and diversity of experience in privatization thus permits an evaluation of what procedures and programs result in high-quality, cost-effective waste management services. This paper will identify those privatization procedures and programs that enhance success.