City Council OKs 5-year waste contract with Capital Waste

By Barbara Taormina

The City Council unanimously approved a five-year contract with Capital Waste for trash, recycling, yard waste and white goods collection. Revere’s Chief Financial Officer, Richard Viscay, said the contract, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, was a great deal that will bring cost certainty and continuity to the city. The cost of collection increases 3.5 percent each year, but there are no contingencies for fuel costs or prevailing wages. The contract calls for the city to pay $2,349,305 for 2026-2027 and tops out at $2,695,882 in 2031.

Each month, Capital Waste collects about 1,300 tons of trash as well as 300 tons of recyclables according to the city’s solid waste program. The city also pays $72 per ton for disposal at WIN Waste Innovations. Disposal for recyclables is $79 per ton. The higher rate is due to market volatility and administrative costs.

“I think this is a great contract for the city,” said Viscay. “They have been great stewards almost like an extension of our staff.”

Viscay also has affection for Capital Waste for their decision not to increase the city’s rate last year. “Trash is a tough business. Capital Waste touches every house in the city. They give a good product, and they helped us out when we needed it,” said Viscay.

Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio said he was fully in favor of the contract. Argenzio, a former Public Works Superintendent, said Revere has always had a good relationship with the company. Capital Waste’s history in Revere means drivers know and understand the hills and the streets.

And both Argenzio and Viscay said the process of finding a new trash hauler and negotiating a new contract is a nightmare.

Like other councillors, Council President Anthony Zambuto praised Viscay for negotiating such a favorable contract. “Congratulations on a great deal for the taxpayers,” said Zambuto. “With the long-term deal with WIN Waste, this probably makes our rate for trash removal the best rate in the state.”