Trash agreement in the works

The Butte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday (June 24) to move forward with adopting franchise agreements with three trash haulers—Recology, Waste Management and Northern Recycling and Waste Services—that would divide the county into operating zones for each company as a way to stop wear and tear on roads, reduce vehicle emissions and increase revenues.

The agreements would be for a 15-year term and would set up recycling zones to regulate refuse, recycling and green waste around Magalia, Durham, South Oroville, Kelly Ridge and the unincorporated areas of Chico. In the county’s nonrecycling zones, there will simply be general waste collection, though the haulers can offer separate recycling pick up if they so choose.

The haulers will pay the county a franchise fee that is 3 percent of their gross revenue. The matter will be finalized at a future meeting.