At the Nov. 13 Athens City Council special committees meeting, we were disappointed to learn that the administration chose to award the solid waste contract bid to Rumpke. I remain hopeful that this is not the end of this long fought battle, only a detour. I believe the continued leadership from the Athens Hocking Recycling Center and support of community members has the power to bring solutions where they are urgently needed.
As in so many instances, money is at the crux of this conflict. The bid from Rumpke is lower than that from AHRC, though the administration acknowledged the very real concern that this contract award allows a powerful corporation to grow their near-monopoly in the industry, possibly putting local haulers out of business, and very likely raising their prices when no competitors remain.
Additionally, there is concern surrounding language in the Ohio Revised Code, which guides decision makers to go with the “lowest and best bid.” We would do well to remember that ORC section 153.09 states, “if the lowest bid is not in the best interests of the community, another may be chosen.” What is best for our community is a solid waste contract that maintains high standards of waste diversion, sustainability and the “triple bottom line” — profit, people and the planet.
When it comes to solid waste management, this is a space in which our community has an opportunity to make great strides in achieving carbon neutrality, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and creating economic opportunities by and for local communities.
As outlined in the Athens Sustainability Action Plan and the Climate Emergency Declaration, “Athens can act as a global leader through initiating an emergency Climate Mobilization to convert to an ecologically, socially, and economically regenerative local economy at emergency speed, as well as advocating for regional, national, and international efforts necessary to reverse global warming and the ecological crisis.”
Athens Hocking Recycling Center has been an institution in our region for nearly four decades, positioning us as an innovative leader in solid waste management and waste diversion. Rooted in our community and deeply committed to the wellbeing of our residents, AHRC not only continues to improve services and operations, but invests in community outreach and engagement – a fundamental driver of sustainability.
With the crucial investment from the City of Athens, AHRC can continue to provide local union jobs, and is positioned to be a cornerstone founding member of a Council of Governments, a shared leadership model which would expand participation and development of waste management and diversion practices in our region. This “COG” was mentioned during Monday’s announcement, along with the indication of the intentions for solid waste management to become a function of our local government – a very logical step. Such a Council could ultimately further empower our region by operating as a space in which we improve communications, practices and policies, share resources, increase local union jobs, create real solutions and generate revenue from the solid waste stream. The loss of AHRC’s contract with the City of Athens directly threatens these opportunities.
It’s not too late to do what is best for our community, and the City of Athens has a real opportunity to be a leader at the forefront of sustainability and equity in the solid waste industry.
Molly Jo Stanley
Athens, Ohio
Ms. Stanley is Southeast Ohio Regional Director for the Ohio Environmental Council.
