Ferris expands free waste collection with WM

Ferris—The City of Ferris announced a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with WM, formerly Waste Management. After a year of negotiations, the City has successfully reached an agreement with WM to increase the number of residential homes receiving free solid waste collection from 1,600 to 3,500 homes, ensuring continued cost savings for residents and preventing the implementation of citywide waste collection fees.

As Ferris has grown, so has the number of homes benefiting from this service. With approximately 1,500 homes receiving free trash service, the City was nearing the cap of 1,600. Had this agreement not been reached, solid waste fees would have been introduced across the city. This agreement saves households approximately $17 to $21 per month, or over $200 per year. Trash pick-up will two times a week and no change in the service will occur.

Ferris remains the only city in the ArkLaTex region to receive free residential trash service through WM. It may be natural to assume that our proximity to a landfill entitles us to free service, however, many communities have landfills nearby and pay full price for waste collection. 

It is important to note that WM was under no obligation to increase the number of homes covered under the agreement. 

“Our partnership with WM continues to provide outstanding value to the people of Ferris,” Brooks Williams, Ferris’ city manager, said. “Not only does this agreement secure continued savings for thousands of our residents, but it also reinforces Ferris’s ability to deliver high-quality services without increasing financial burdens on families. This is another example of how we are always looking ahead and working to protect the best interests of our residents.”

“This is a major win for Ferris,” Mayor Fred C. Pontley said. “We were rapidly approaching the original limit of 1,600 homes, and without this expansion, residents would have faced new waste collection fees. Thanks to our strong relationship with WM and the City’s proactive leadership, we’ve secured a benefit that no other city in the ArkLaTex region enjoys.”

SOURCE City of Ferris