SAGINAW — The city of Saginaw may ask the Mid-Michigan Waste Authority to provide it with garbage collection services. The Authority is a publicly funded entity that provides residential waste disposal services to 30 area communities by contracting with private companies with the ability to operate in those communities.
According to Authority General Manager Monica Duebbert, the Authority was created to provide cost-effective, high-quality waste collection service by consolidating purchasing power for the member communities.
The city of Saginaw is a member community but still uses city workers to collect refuse. Because of its membership, Saginaw could allow the Authority to provide garbage services on its behalf through the Authority’s contract with Waste Management, Inc., a private, for-profit company operating throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
City Manager Deborah Kimble expects the move will save the city $300,000 a year. If the deal goes through, the 12 city employees who currently collect Saginaw’s garbage would be moved to other city duties such as brush and recycling collections or building inspections.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.