Residents of Suisun City heard an update from public works staff on a plan to change trash collection agencies to Recology after almost 60 years of curbside garbage pickup from Republic Services.

“We are in the process of finalizing the agreement,” said Amanda Dum, senior management analyst for Suisun City Public Works, at the first of two virtual meetings with residents on Thursday.

In June, the City Council voted to move forward with Recology’s proposal, which includes a $46.21 monthly rate for residents, cutting the current rate by nearly $3. Under the contract timeline, all Republic trash cans would be swapped out for Recology cans entirely by July 1, 2027.

In 2025, the council voted to pursue a new contract after Republic proposed a 12.07% rate hike to cover mounting costs from new regulations, bringing residents’ bills from $49.11 to $55.04 a month.

Rate increases over 5% have to go through City Council approval. On review, the council rejected the raise, voting to change trash services for the first time since the city was founded in 1968.

At Thursday’s meeting, residents expressed wariness of the change.

“I like seeing my garbage man every week,” said Suisun City resident Scott Russell. “I’ve had this garbage man a long time. It’s going to affect their lives.”

While Republic’s Suisun City workers will get a chance to apply for their same roles at Recology, it’s not a guarantee, said Suisun City Attorney Patrick Enright on Thursday.

“There is language about a transition plan including employees,” he said. “We’re still negotiating that.”

“It’s not a done deal,” said Enright.

But going back on the choice now could open the city up to legal action.

The contract with Recology amounts to more than $47.6 million over 10 years and calls for community support initiatives like Christmas tree pickup, free paper shredding and compost giveaways. Recology will also take over street sweeping operations, bulky item pickup and a new household hazardous waste facility.

In August, the City Council will vote on formally awarding the agreement to Recology.