Dive Brief:

• The Contra Costa, Calif., authority board overseeing trash and recycling services for 65,000 homes has received recommendations as to which trash and recycling companies will be awarded a $1-billion franchise contract. 
• The analysts, commissioned by the Central Contra Costa Waste Authority have selected a sanitation firm, Republic Services, and a recycler, Pacific Rim Recycling. Consultants reasoned that both companies offer the community the best value in exchange for services. 
• The 10-year franchise contract is worth $500 million, with the option to extend the contract for another decade for an additional $500 million.

Dive Insight:

This $1 billion contract was approached astutely by all parties. The large amount of money involved has put supervisors and the city council on high alert. The council must note chance encounters with bidders and a ban was placed on campaign contributions from the companies who bid. 

Nine service proposals were submitted to the board and were reviewed by consultants. The board will also listen to counter arguments from companies who submitted proposals but weren't selected as candidates.