Wright City leaders postponed a decision on who will provide trash service to city residents, after hearing from two competing companies Dec. 10.

Meridian Waste and Grace Hauling are competing for a minimum two-year contract to provide trash service to more than 1,600 homes and apartments in Wright City. They were the only two companies to provide bids for the service in November.

The city’s board of aldermen heard from both companies on Dec. 10. Aldermen asked questions about customer service issues, pickup days, and community engagement. At the end of the discussion, aldermen said they wanted to take two more weeks to weigh which company will be better for the city.

A final decision on the trash hauling contract will be made Dec. 28.

Meridian, Wright City’s current trash and recycling hauler, was the low bidder for most of the bidded services, which are broken up by housing type. Meridian’s bid for single-family housing alone was as much as $44,000 cheaper per year than Grace Hauling.

But Meridian has also garnered recent complaints from residents in Wright City (and other towns) about poor service, including missed pickups and inconsistent pickup times. 

Although Grace Hauling doesn’t currently provide any residential services in Wright City, company representative Nathan Delcour told aldermen the company has commercial contracts with about 30 Wright City businesses.

Both companies also submitted bids for single-stream recycling services, which would end the unpopular practice of alternating what types of recyclables are picked up each week.

At least one Wright City alderman, Ramiz Hakim of Ward 2, has said that he would be willing to accept Grace Hauling’s more expensive bid because city residents have expressed a desire for better service.

Ward 1 Alderman Michelle Heiliger asked representatives from both companies how they plan to keep the city in the loop while addressing resident complaints.

“I can contact you and let you know when we do have complaints, and make sure you understand when they’ve been resolved,” said Angie Krah with Meridian.

General Manager Vince Timberlake added that complaints are made known to the entire management team to make sure they are addressed.

Delcour, with Grace Hauling, said the company takes care of any complaints within 24 hours, and can forward that information to the city’s designee. 

“We have open communication with the mayor or city administrator often in other municipalities,” he remarked.

Hakim asked what other ways each company would contribute to the community. Both companies said they make an effort to donate and volunteer with community groups in the towns they serve.

Hakim said residents had also asked him if the city’s trash pickup date could be changed from Friday to the middle of the week. Meridian gave an uncertain answer, while Grace Hauling said it could be flexible to the city’s needs.