The City of Merriam is finalizing its transition to a single, citywide trash hauler. Beginning Nov. 2, all residential trash and recycling collection will be handled by GFL Environment LLC, a Canada‑based waste‑management firm that the city has secured under a five‑year contract.
Why the change matters for families
For more than two years, Merriam residents could choose among several private haulers. The shift to a single provider simplifies service, ensures consistent collection schedules, and aligns with the state’s Organized Collection Service Act of 2011, which sets standards for solid‑waste and recycling transitions.
Cost and billing details
Starting in 2027, trash service fees will be added to property tax bills. Residents will pay $44.52 for November and December 2026, then $22.87 per month for the full 2027 calendar year—totaling $274.44. This rate applies to the first year of the contract, which runs through Dec. 31, 2030. Each subsequent year will see an approximate $8 increase, a structure the city council chose to avoid a large “sticker shock” when the contract is up for renewal in 2031.
What households will receive
Every home will receive a 95‑gallon trash bin and a matching 95‑gallon recycling bin this fall. Residents who prefer smaller containers can request them from GFL’s customer service beginning Jan. 4, 2027, by calling (816) 380‑5595 or emailing [email protected].
Collection schedule and current coordination
Current pickups are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. The city is coordinating final bin drop‑offs with existing providers, and GFL began delivering bins on Oct. 12. Some neighborhoods, such as those near Johnson Drive and 55th Street, have experienced a discrepancy in collection‑day information; the city is actively working to resolve the issue.
Council oversight and future outlook
The Merriam City Council approved the single‑hauler plan in April 2025 and spent the past 18 months reviewing contracts and giving residents time to transition from their previous providers. By opting for annual modest increases rather than a flat rate, council members aim to keep waste‑service costs predictable for families while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the city.
Overall, the move promises a more streamlined, reliable service for Merriam households, aligning with the city’s commitment to efficient public‑works operations and responsible budgeting.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
