A bill that would have halted exclusive government contracts for collecting construction and demolition debris in Florida has been removed from the legislative calendar, according to a report in the South Florida Business Journal (Deerfield Beach, Fla.).
Supporters of Florida Senate Bill 1906 claim that such contracts stifle competition and give the edge in the C&D market to big waste haulers like Waste Management Inc. and Republic Services, according to the report.
The South Florida Business Journal reports that recyclers introduced the bill, claiming large companies can secure near monopolies in Florida cities through exclusive contracts or franchise agreements.
Smaller recyclers say that franchise agreements shouldn’t include C&D debris because it consists of recyclable material, while many cities and major haulers contend that the material is simply another type of solid waste and should fall under franchise agreements, according to the report.
If C&D were included under Florida recycling statutes, cities would not be able to make businesses use a franchised hauler, according to the report.
Municipalities and major haulers tell the South Florida Business Journal that the franchise agreements are more cost-effective and provide safer services.