After 16 years of collecting garbage in Coeur d’Alene, Waste Management has lost its contract with the city. The City Council on Tuesday night voted 5-1 to award a new contract for garbage and recycling collection to Coeur d’Alene Garbage Service, the lowest of three bidders. The company, which hauls for Post Falls, Hayden, Dalton Gardens, Rathdrum and other communities in Kootenai County, was awarded a 10-year contract for residential and commercial collection in Coeur d’Alene starting July 1. Waste Management, the nation’s largest waste hauler, has been the city’s provider since 2000 under an agreement through Kootenai County. That agreement is ending, prompting the city to initiate a contract directly with a provider/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

DFO: I hope the city knows what it is doing. Waste Management has provided superb service for the past 16 years. I hope that Coeur d'Alene Garbag Service will do as well. Thoughts?