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Homeowners urge city to reconsider Omaha's next waste contract

Posted at 7:29 PM, Apr 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-23 20:31:47-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The way trash is picked up in Omaha is going to change by 2021, but city leaders aren't exactly sure how it will look yet.

Mayor Jean Stothert gave her recommendation that the city contract FCC Environmental Services. On Tuesday, city council members heard from homeowners in their districts.

"There is no second chance if we don't make the best choice now," Mayor Jean Stothert said.

The council chamber was full Tuesday afternoon with many opposing the mayor's proposal with FCC Environmental Services. Homeowners want council members to consider other options when it comes to who will pick up trash in Omaha for a decade starting 2021.

Homeowners spoke on the space new bins will take up, and others had concern for environmental issues. More than 20 people voiced their thoughts. Council member Pete Festersen has heard from homeowners that want compost separate from garbage. FCC's contract would commingle garbage and compost.

"I've heard a lot of opposition in my area about the two-cart system," Festersen said. "They're concerned about capacity and want compost separated."

FCC's contract would supply two carts, one for trash and compost picked up weekly, another for recycling picked up bi-weekly. It will cost $22.7 million.

The council decided Tuesday that it will not make a decision as to who will pick up trash. Members say they want more time to find an contract that will last 10 years.