Hillsborough seeking feedback on commercial solid waste service

The Town of Hillsborough needs businesses, churches and nonprofits to share information that will help town staff and business representatives review the current solid waste service and consider any change in 2012.

Refuse and recycling service currently is provided by a franchise with Waste Industries to businesses, churches and nonprofit groups within the town’s limits, including apartment and condominium complexes. The franchise expires July 31.

Businesses, churches and nonprofits are asked to take 10 minutes to answer basic questions in a survey about their current and future solid waste needs, any possible service rate increase and desired customer service response time. The information—which will be collected through Friday, Oct. 21—will be used to solicit interested firms. The goal is to renew the current franchise or award a new franchise in the spring.

The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DTTZN9Q.

Those agencies that do not have Internet access may obtain a hard copy of the survey from the town. For a copy of the survey or for more information about the survey, contact Public Works Supervisor Ken Hines by email or by phone at 732-1270, ext. 78.

Since 2004, the Town of Hillsborough has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise provider directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses are required to use the same service provider.

Currently, Waste Industries is requesting a one-year extension on the franchise agreement and a 5-percent rate increase for solid waste services. Two one-year extensions are allowed under the franchise agreement, as well as a rate adjustment of up to 10 percent per year in response to the consumer price index.