Recycling Services

Private Hauler Franchise Initiative

The City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation (Bureau) is evaluating the method in which private solid waste haulers operate in the City. Permitted private waste haulers currently collect all waste and some recyclables from large multifamily and all commercial businesses in the City. The evaluation will examine moving from the current open permit system under which private waste haulers operate to a system that meet diversion and environmental requirements. A system change is necessary to meet state mandated recycling requirements, and to implement City environmental policies.

The City is considering a move from the existing permit system, which requires haulers to pay an AB939 fee and report annually, to a franchise system that requires recycling as well as addresses other environmental issues. The City will evaluate moving to either a non-exclusive franchise system, where the number of waste haulers operating are not limited as long as they meet City goals and requirements, or an exclusive franchise system, where a single waste hauler is allowed to operate under contract in a given area of the City.

A critical part of the evaluation process is to gather input from all stakeholders. The Bureau held a series of stakeholder meetings to gather the necessary input. The Bureau also commissioned an independent assessment of franchise systems completed by HF&H, Consultant under contract with Parsons Water and Infrastructure, Inc (HF&H-Parsons Report and Appendices (Transmittal 4) below).

Taking into account input from stakeholders and the findings from the independent study, the Bureau prepared a report detailing its finds and associated recommendations. The Board of Public works forwarded the Bureau’s recommendations to City Council for consideration on February 13, 2012. City Council Committee meetings were held on April 10, 2012, and August 29, 2012. The item is pending consideration of City Council.

City reports pertinent to the franchise initiative can be accessed from the links below. Other correspondence submitted to the City Council in reference to the franchise can be found on the online Council file system for file #10-1797 (see link below).

Bureau of Sanitation Reported, Dated February 13, 2012 (As Amended by Board)

Bureau of Sanitation Response to Motions, Dated August 23, 2012

HF&H Report – Commercial Solid Waste Cost and Fee Analysis, Dated August 24, 2012

Council File #10-1797 (Online Council Files)

CAO Report, Dated August 23, 2012

Stakeholder Meetings Held

Scoping Meeting Presentation for Environmental
  Impact Report (EIR) for City Ordinance: City-Wide
  Exclusive Franchise System for Municipal Solid
  Waste Collection and Handling

Revised NOP of an EIR for City Ordinance: City-wide
  Exclusive Franchise

Any further questions should be forwarded via e-mail to san.franchisecomments@lacity.org, phoned to (213) 485-3664, or mailed to:
Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division
1149 South Broadway, MS #944
Los Angeles, CA 90015