HCC agrees to proceed with privatizing solid waste collections

GAINESVILLE - The Hall County Commission Thursday night decided to proceed with privatizing solid waste collections.

On a motion by Commissioner Ashley Bell, the board voted 3-2 for county staff to issue a request for proposals for the entire solid waste fund, which includes the landfill, compactor sites and recycling.

Bell said "when you bring the private sector in to try to compete with government, you get a department that comes out with a lot more ideas. Competition is a good thing."

Commissioners emphasized that price will not be the only factor in awarding a contract; out-of-county trash will be prohibited; county employees will continue to man the compactors; recycling must be single source (i.e., glass, plastic, cans don't have to be separated); the landfill must maintain a 25-year lifespan.

Commission Chairman Tom Oliver and Billy Powell opposed the motion.