NEWPORT BEACH : Single Commercial Waste Hauler Studied

In an effort to ensure consistent trash-collection service and fees, the City Council on Monday will discuss consolidating its commercial waste operations.

The city now uses 13 independent haulers to collect commercial refuse. A three-month study by the General Services Department indicates that the city could save money and increase efficiency by using just one hauler.

However, awarding a single franchise could sink some small operations, said Dolores Otting, owner of 5 Start Rubbish.

“Chances are I’ll lose my business,” Otting said. “I understand that the city needs money, but I think there’s other solutions.”

She and other operators said they will attend the council’s special meeting to protest the proposal.

David E. Niederhaus, director of the General Services Department, stated in a report that having a single waste hauler also would help the city meet its recycling goals.

“Not only does the city not have control over the destination of the solid waste collected by the haulers,” Niederhaus wrote, “but we also lack control over the effects of multiple haulers operating in the city.”

The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

Information: (714) 644-3005.