The City of Kearney voted to switch residents’ trash and recycling service at the October 7, Board of Aldermen meeting. The current waste disposal agreement expires on December 31, 2024. City leaders agreed to a contract with Redgate Disposal, LLC in 2025.

Kearney received four bids for waste disposal starting in 2025. The lowest and best bid was from Redgate Disposal. The agreement with Redgate will be a three-year contract with two optional three-year renewals.

“They were the only contractor that offered a credit for recyclables,” reported city administrator Shelia Ernzen. “In addition to weekly trash and recycling service, they will allow residents to call and schedule a free bulky item to be picked up every week from the curb. That would be in addition to the regular spring and fall bulky pickup.”

The contract includes penalties for missed pick-ups, and Redgate will also provide pick-up services at city locations including the recycling center.

Residents will see a cost increase of $2.67 for a single trash receptacle and recycling bin. Additional carts will cost $4.36.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.