Brunswick looking to switch service provider for trash and recycling

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick is looking into switching from Republic Services to Kimble Recycling and Disposal Inc. for trash and recycling services. City administration discussed changing the service provider during a committee of the whole meeting on Monday. The current contract with Republic expires on June 30. Finance Director Todd Fischer said the city approached Republic to extend the contract, but the two parties were unable to reach a mutual agreement. As a result, the city went out to bid, and Kimble was considered to have the lowest and best offer, he said. If Brunswick City Council passes the resolution, the contract with Kimble will last for five years. "We broke it down for the five years," Service Director Paul Magovac said. "If we go with Kimble, we'll be spending about $16 million. If we went with Rumpke, it would have been about $17.2 million, and if we stayed with Republic, it would have been almost $17.7 million." The monthly rate for trash and recycling services would increase from $21.25 to $23.50 a month per household effective July 1, Fischer said. Brunswick's goal is for the new rate to last for three years as long as there are not significant changes to variable costs such as tipping fees and the price of diesel fuel. "We've decreased rates, and we've increased rates over time," he said. Residents would still have the same level of service they are receiving now, Magovac said. The carts are considered city property, so they will continue to be used even when providers change. Vice Mayor Nick Hanek said Medina County has a system in place called flow control in which Brunswick's trash has to go to the county's processing center rather than someplace closer, which increases rates in the city. "Our rates would have went down about $3 per household per month without flow control," Magovac said. The resolution to enter into the contract with Kimble was moved to a second reading during the Council meeting on Tuesday. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.