County of Ventura Awards New Residential Solid Waste Collection Agreements

VENTURA, Calif. - Aug. 1, 2023 - PRLog -- The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has awarded new residential solid waste collection agreements to E.J. Harrison & Sons, Inc. and Arakelian Enterprises Inc. (Athens Services), to begin January 1, 2024.

The current agreements, effective since 2014, were amended in 2022 to include programs and services necessary for the County's compliance with the state's newest and most significant organics recycling law, Senate Bill 1383. These agreements expire on December 31, 2023, requiring the County to arrange for new agreements beginning January 1, 2024. As the County's first-ever competitive bid for solid waste services, the process required extensive efforts from VCPWA staff, other County staff, and assistance from a California-based solid waste consultant over a two-year period.   The Ventura County Board of Supervisors determined this process was essential to ensure unincorporated area Ventura County residents received the best value.

There are several key aspects and new benefits for unincorporated area residents, including:

Ten (10) year agreements with two optional five-year extensions

Reduced rates for most residents

Annual rate adjustments capped at 4%

Need-based senior discount program using the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) financial assistance program, easing the restrictions to qualify.

Increased bulky item pickups from two to three per calendar year.

Door-to-door Household Hazardous Waste collection program

Replacement of carts with new SB 1383 compliant colors, no later than 1/1/2025

"With direction from the Board of Supervisors, the VCPWA staff executed this successful effort to provide significant cost savings and a positive outcome for residents in all unincorporated areas of Ventura County.  These agreements will provide real and significant benefits for many years to come.", said Jeff Pratt, Public Works Agency Director.

About Ventura County Public Works Agency

VCPWA strives to deliver innovative, efficient, and cost-effective regional services that are essential to the health, safety, natural resources protection, and economic vitality of Ventura County and its residents. Established in 1954, VCPWA employs approximately 400 employees and consists of five departments: Central Services, Engineering Services, Roads & Transportation, Water & Sanitation, and Watershed Protection.

VCPWA continues to receive nationwide attention for its effective operations in improving, innovating, and ensuring projects for Ventura County's unincorporated 572 miles of roads, watersheds, levees, bridges, infrastructures, water and sanitation facilities, and billing services.