Tulsa City Council Votes To Change Trash Pickup Requirements

Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa City Council voted to change the requirements for trash collection in Tulsa, which could possibly disrupt a new contract for trash service.

The Council acted against the advice of their own attorney and an attorney representing TARE, the board that is handling negotiations for the new contract.

Councilor Rick Westcott, who led the debate on the changes, said he is trying to make sure TARE cannot make changes to the trash service the public does not want.

The council changed the current broad language on trash collection to say that residents can use any trash container of any size and that trash haulers must convert to CNG trucks within four years. The council added language stating that trucks are not required to install GPS units. 

10/6/2011 Related Story: City Of Tulsa Trash Service Bids Opened

The TARE board, in proposals for the new contract, specified that haulers would supply trash containers in three sizes, with residents billed accordingly. The proposal also requires the winning bidder to use an exclusively CNG based fleet, with GPS units installed as a method of proving the routes are covered. 

While the council acted to change the regulations, it's unclear whether their actions will impact TARE's contract process. TARE's attorney told the council their changes were likely too late to impact the process because the bids have already been received and they essentially are contracts waiting to be accepted. 

TARE has retained legal counsel to handle issues with the Council, and several City Councilors said they're willing to take on a legal battle with TARE.