The Garbage Fund fact sheet states that the city will “engage the amended service agreement with Priority Waste, commencing July 1, 2026,” while also noting that the function is currently executed in large part by GFL. The narrative mentions the city mitigated a dramatic cost increase in 2026 by negotiating with the current service provider, and that future waste contracts may necessitate changes to the garbage levy or service level. This indicates a new or modified contract starting in mid‑2026 for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. Because the primary collection contract decision is already made, this is less about immediate competition for that work and more about understanding the new incumbent and its term. Vendors can focus on complementary services—cart supply, route optimization technology, contamination reduction programs, bulky waste, and special event collection—or on positioning for future rebids when this amended agreement nears expiration. It is also a signal that Swartz Creek is sensitive to rate pressures and open to creative service models.

The city anticipates that future waste contracts could require levy increases or service reductions,...