The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday, May 11, approved a new five-year contract with Waste Pro of Tennessee Inc., ensuring the continuity of the City’s residential solid waste, recycling and yard waste services.

The agreement, which takes effect July 1, follows a decade of stable pricing for residents. City officials said the new contract reflects a sharp rise in national costs for fuel, specialized equipment and labor. 

New Monthly Rate Details

The new monthly fee for standard weekly curbside service is $51.85.
The new monthly fee for weekly backdoor collection of household trash is $74.70.
Recycling and yard debris are only collected at the curb.
Residents will see the new rates on August utility bills for services provided in July.

Navigating Market Realities

The transition to the new contract reflects significant changes in the waste collection industry since the City’s previous contract was established in 2016. National costs for fuel, specialized equipment and the recruitment of CDL-certified drivers have all increased substantially. 

For nearly a decade, Germantown residents benefited from pricing established under the previous long-term agreement. While any increase impacts a household budget, the new $51.85 monthly rate for curbside service follows an exhaustive effort by City leadership to hold the line on costs for as long as possible. The resulting monthly adjustment of $19.48 is comparable to the cost of a basic streaming subscription or a single takeout meal, yet it ensures reliable service for all residents across the community.

Before recommending the Waste Pro contract, City staff performed a months-long "due diligence" analysis to ensure every option was explored:

• Exhaustive Outreach: The City notified 1,470 potential vendors to ensure maximum competition.

• Benchmarking: Staff compared the new rate against surrounding municipalities, confirming the adjustment is consistent with what neighboring communities are experiencing as they transition out of older contracts.

• The "In-House" Study: The City evaluated the cost of creating a municipal solid waste department. The study found that a City-run operation would be significantly more expensive for taxpayers, requiring a massive upfront investment in a specialized truck fleet and the immediate hiring of a large, specialized workforce.

Ultimately, the new contract secures a stable, five-year agreement that preserves services residents currently receive, including backdoor collection and high-volume yard waste removal.

Carts and Automation

To ensure safety and efficiency, the contract utilizes automated and semi-automated lifting mechanisms. While existing City-issued carts will remain in service, all waste must be placed inside the provided carts to ensure compatibility with the vendor’s equipment and prevent property damage.

Household Waste and Recycling Carts: Standard service includes one 96-gallon household waste cart and one recycling cart (64 or 96 gallons). Beginning July 1, residents have the option to expand their capacity with the following limits and fees:

• Additional Limits: Households may request a maximum of one additional trash cart and one additional recycling cart, for a total limit of two each per household.

• Fees for Extras: Each additional waste or recycling cart incurs a one-time $75 delivery fee and a monthly collection fee of $7.75.

• Delivery Fee Waiver: Residents who already possess extra carts at the time the contract begins may continue to use up to two trash carts and two recycling carts per week. The monthly collection fee of $7.75 per additional cart will apply.

Yard Trash Carts

• Residents may request one yard trash cart. While there is no additional monthly collection fee for this container, it requires a one-time $75 delivery fee. Residents who currently have a yard waste cart may continue to use the cart at no additional charge.

Service Guidelines and Collection Limits

The new agreement establishes specific guidelines for how waste must be prepared and the volumes allowed for weekly pickup.

Household Trash

• Standard Curbside: All household trash must be placed inside the provided cart(s). Items left outside the cart, with the exception of bulk waste, will not be collected.

• Backdoor Service: Residents may opt for backdoor collection for an additional fee. This service includes one 64-gallon roll cart, with the option to request one additional cart. Under the new agreement, backdoor customers must use City-issued 64-gallon carts compatible with specialized lifting equipment.

• Medical Exception for Backdoor Service: Provisions are available for residents with certified medical restrictions. To qualify, residents must submit a medical certification confirming that no other members of the household are able to transport carts to the curb. Note that recycling and yard waste carts still require positioning at the curb for all customers. For more information, contact customer service at (901) 757-7200 or CustomerService@Germantown-TN.gov.

Yard Trash and Bulk Items

• Yard Trash Volume: Weekly collection is limited to 10 cubic yards or fifty 39-gallon bags per residence. Small debris must be bagged using clear yard waste bags or placed in a yard waste cart. Tree limbs must not exceed 6 feet in length or 12 inches in diameter.

• Bulk Collection: Collection of bulky items, such as furniture and appliances, is limited to five cubic yards per week.

• Exclusions: The contract does not cover the collection of construction and demolition debris, such as fencing or roofing shingles.

Residents wishing to switch between curbside and backdoor service preferences may submit a request by calling (901) 757-7200 or via email at customerservice@germantown-tn.gov. A list of frequently asked questions is available here.