Republic Services tackles challenges with new transload agreement for city trash disposal

During the Peabody City Council Public Services Committee meeting on March 13, 2025, Republic Services presented a comprehensive overview of their waste management operations, highlighting significant improvements and ongoing challenges. The company reported an impressive 99.9% service completion rate since the beginning of the year, with only 46 missed pickups out of 242,000 service visits. This statistic underscores their commitment to maintaining reliable trash and recycling services for residents.

However, the presentation also revealed operational hurdles, particularly related to waste disposal logistics. Republic Services faced delays at the Covanta incineration facility, which sometimes resulted in wait times of up to four hours. To address this, the company has entered into a transloading agreement with Covanta, allowing them to dump waste at a closer facility in Danvers, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing service efficiency. This solution, while costing an additional $150,000 annually, has proven essential for maintaining daily service schedules.

The discussion also touched on the future of waste collection in Peabody, with Republic Services indicating a shift towards automated collection methods. They noted that many companies are moving away from manual collection due to safety concerns and inefficiencies. Transitioning to automated systems could not only improve service consistency but also potentially increase waste diversion rates, which currently stand at 18%. The company estimates that moving to automated carts could boost diversion by an additional 10% to 28%, translating to significant cost savings for the city.

In addition to operational updates, Republic Services introduced a new app, "Track My Truck," set to launch next year. This tool will allow residents to track the status of waste collection in real-time, enhancing communication and service transparency.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on the future of waste management in Peabody, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to meet the city's sustainability goals. As the landscape of waste collection evolves, the committee's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping efficient and effective services for the community.