The City of Fort Wayne has opened up bids for its next solid waste hauler.
The bidding process is open as the city looks to move on from a disastrous four-year run with its current provider, Red River Waste Solutions.
City attorneys have gone on record to say that a new hauler could be chosen and ready to begin serving the area in the summer.
Until then, a combination of Red River and assorted city employees will continue to pick up trash and recycling as Red River's bankruptcy continues to move through the courts.
According to a statement from the city, Waste Management of Indiana, GFL Environmental USA, and Republic Services of Indiana have already submitted bids.
Part of the city's continued commitment to Red River is based on need. Fort Wayne only has a handful of its own trucks, relying on Red River to supply the bulk of that service. Additionally, trucks and drivers are both in low supply, which means it would take a few months for any new hauler to successfully begin work in the city.
A measure that would change the bidding process for waste haulers that would grant municipalities more control in selecting a provider received overwhelming support at the Statehouse, and awaits the final signature by Governor Eric Holcomb.
