SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Houghton City Council unanimously approved a new five-year trash and recycling contract with Waste Management (WM). The company was the only bidder for the contract.

According to the terms of the contract, residential units will be supplied with separate 64-gallon carts for waste and recycling. However, WM will continue to accept pre-existing recycling carts as well. Consequently, Houghton’s existing bag system will cease to exist. The new contract will come into effect June 1. WM will be paid $18.25 per month for every residential unit. The fee will be subject to 5-7% adjustment every year.

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The carts will be picked up by the truck arm and emptied mechanically lower on the truck so as to avoid wastage. WM will promote automated cart systems, which eliminates risk of employee injury, said Mark Harrick, senior account executive, WM.

The City Council stated that public informational sessions will be held over the period of next six months, aimed at educating residents about the changes to trash and recycling system as part of the new contract. Also, necessary changes are planned to city’s waste ordinance to determine a way to pass the additional cost to the residents. The City plans weekly trash pickups, whereas recycling pickup would be scheduled every other week.