Garbage Companies Battle for SF's Trash

Some folks just can't get enough of San Francisco's trash.

The City's plan to remove trash is coming under scrutiny from a variety of groups. Currently, the City has an exclusive contract with Recology to pick up waste in the city. Recology then processes the garbage, recyclables, and compost, and dispatches materials to various destinations around the state.

A new arrangement would allow Recology to send trash to a new landfill in Yuba, according to the Gate. Residents of Yuba are understandably upset -- nobody wants their town filled with trash, after all.

A competing landfill operator is challenging the arrangement, claiming that they weren't given fair consideration. Recology's plan has several advantages: by transporting waste by rail, they'll reduce costs and emissions.

The board of supervisors delayed any decision on the issue yesterday, saying that they needed more time to consider it. It's unclear when they'll finally act.

Ultimately, the only long-term solution may be for San Franciscans to reduce the amount of garbage that they produce. Don't hold your breath.