At the May 21 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with FCC Environmental Services, LLC after a second reading.
This agreement will provide essential waste management services to unincorporated residents of Buncombe County. The contract will begin on January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2031 with a one-year (1) extension option. Basic service includes weekly trash pickup and bi-weekly recycling pickup. The entire ordinance for the franchise agreement with FCC can be found here.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Duration: The contract spans seven (7) years, with an option for a one-year (1) extension.
- Service Frequency: Weekly trash pickup and every-other-week recycling collection.
- Cost Adjustment: After the initial two (2) years, FCC will be entitled to a subscriber cost increase based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), with a floor of 3.5% and a cap of 5%.
- Emergency and Contingency Plans: The agreement includes comprehensive plans to ensure a smooth transition of operations and uninterrupted service.
- Rollout Carts: New rollout carts will be provided to residents.
Cost Breakdown (2025-26):
- Basic Service: $28.65
- Premium Service: $59.00
- Bulky Pickup Service and Disposal (per item): $25
- Bear Carts (purchase): $320
- Bear Carts (monthly lease): $10.16
- Additional Cart with Service (monthly lease): $12.00
- Disability Program: $28.65
- Low-Income Program (limited to 700 households): 15% off Basic Service
- Additional Bag Service (per bag): $3
Residents who currently have bear carts would not need to purchase new carts.
FCC Environmental will begin services Jan. 1, 2025. In the coming months, current subscribers will begin receiving communications regarding transition planning and updated collection schedules.
For more information about solid waste collection in Buncombe County please visit buncombecounty.org/solidwaste.