December Communicator 2024 (3)Let’s Talk Trash (Full article as Authored by Mayor Dave Wood)
As the holiday season approaches, I find it to be a truly magical time of year—a time for reflection, gratitude, and the celebration of family, friends, traditions, and our wonderful Mishawaka community. I’ve shared before my fondness for this season and the special family traditions that make it so meaningful. Speaking of traditions, I hope to see you at our hometown Christmas celebration, Mishawaka Winterfest—my favorite event of the year!
Our lighted Christmas parade grows bigger and better every year, and I am thrilled to once again welcome Santa to town to light the City Christmas tree. This year, we’re adding something truly special: our first-ever lighted drone show, set against the skies over downtown. I can’t wait to share in the holiday spirit with all of you!
But with the holiday cheer building in our Princess City, I must shift gears and—unfortunately—talk a little trash. Yes, literally.
Trash collection is one of the most essential services a city provides. It ensures public health, keeps our neighborhoods clean, and protects our environment. While vital, trash collection is also one of those services that private companies tend to manage more efficiently than government. So why bring this up now? Because as we approach the new year, we’re making an important change. Starting January 1, 2025, Mishawaka will transition to Waste Management (WM) as our new solid waste and recycling partner.
This change comes after the Mishawaka Common Council approved a new contract designed to provide reliable, sustainable, and efficient service to our community. Republic Services, our previous provider, has held the contract since 2008, but with that agreement expiring at the end of 2024, we saw an opportunity to put the service out for competitive bid.
The Bidding Process
The process of selecting a new provider is no small task. State law outlines specific steps we must follow, and a dedicated work group of city professionals managed this effort to ensure Mishawaka residents continue to receive dependable service—while also exploring ways to improve customer service and adopt modern equipment for better efficiency and value.
Over 10 months, the team developed detailed bid specifications, publicly advertised the opportunity, accepted and opened sealed bids, and awarded the contract to the lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder. Out of three bidders, including Republic Services, WM offered the most competitive bid and was awarded a 5.5-year contract (extended slightly to avoid future transitions during the holiday season).
What to Expect During the Transition
Beginning December 2, WM will mobilize at the former Dodge Manufacturing site and start distributing new 96-gallon trash and recycling bins. All bins should be delivered by December 20. During the transition, residents will temporarily have two sets of bins. After your final trash pickup of the year, simply leave your Republic bins at the curb, and they will be collected. From January 1 onward, you’ll use the WM bins exclusively.
If you prefer smaller 64-gallon bins or need additional bins, you can contact WM directly. While WM gets familiar with the routes, I ask for your patience and understanding. They are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.
What’s New with WM
This partnership with WM represents progress for Mishawaka. Like before, residents can place one large item or an extra trash bag (up to 40 pounds) out for pickup alongside their bin. However, new features include:
- Improved customer service through a dedicated call center and website managed by WM.
- Expanded capabilities for managing recyclables, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
It’s important to note that participation in this residential service is mandatory. This ensures every household is served, neighborhoods remain clean and healthy, and residents benefit from the best pricing while minimizing excessive trash truck traffic.
Our “No Trash Left Behind” program is designed with convenience and environmental stewardship in mind. With WM’s expanded resources, Mishawaka continues to take steps toward a cleaner, greener future.
Wrapping Up
While I’d rather focus entirely on the holidays, it’s important to ensure everyone is prepared for this transition. I have full confidence in WM and our process to maintain the high standard of service our community deserves.
As always, feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. In the meantime, I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays, and I hope to see you around the Mish!
Yours in Mishawaka,
Mayor Dave Wood
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