The City of Fullerton is undertaking its first competitive solid waste procurement in decades, breaking away from a nearly 70-year relationship with a single hauler. Historically, the city has relied on MG Disposal—later acquired by Taormina and subsequently absorbed by Republic Services—to handle its waste management since 1955.

The impetus for this change is regulatory compliance, as Fullerton is under a CalRecycle Corrective Action Plan for noncompliance with SB 1383, which mandates organic waste diversion. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per day, with looming deadlines in July 2026 and July 2027.

The city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in September 2025, received 9 proposals and conducted interviews in January 2026. As of April 2026, no contract has been awarded, with negotiations ongoing among a shortlisted group of firms. A five-member evaluation committee—comprising Public Works Director Stephen Bise, Assistant Director Richard Armendariz, Administrative Manager Jerome Joaquin, Environmental Services Coordinator Olivia Martinez, and Senior Management Analyst Kim Chaudry—scored the proposals based on 15 criteria, including cost, experience, compliance, and service quality.

The top three firms identified by staff were EDCO, CR&R, and Universal Waste Systems, with less than 1% separating the highest and lowest scores. However, a separate “ad hoc committee,” with only two members, Mayor Fred Jung and Councilmember Jamie Valencia, suggested broadening the competition. On April 14, 2026, the council, by a 3-2 vote, approved adding three more firms—Republic Services, Athens Services, and Valley Vista Services—over staff recommendations to negotiate only with the top three.

According to the evaluation committee, EDCO emerged as the top scorer, noted for possibly establishing a local terminal in Fullerton, thereby generating property and sales tax revenue. CR&R, ranking second, is known for its aggressive lobbying and proximity to Fullerton, and it offers enhanced services and cost-free residential billing. Universal Waste Systems ranked third, providing competitive pricing but raising concerns over unequal residential and commercial rates.

As for the three newly added firms: Republic Services, the current provider, has a troubled history with the city concerning labor issues and compliance challenges. Athens Services and Valley Vista Services were also brought into the fold, despite concerns about their scoring, particularly regarding compliance with SB 1383. Notably, Valley Vista ranked sixth and has been embroiled in controversy over its significant political contributions to a local PAC (Taxpayers for Reform PAC) linked to council members Jung and Valencia. The PAC is spearheaded by principal officers Tony Bushala and Jack Dean. Major funding has historically come from local business owners, the Apartment Association of Orange County, and the Bushala family.

Critics of the ad hoc committee’s decision argue it presents a potential conflict of interest, given the financial support that Valley Vista provided to the political campaigns of those advocating for its inclusion: Mayor Jung, Mayor Pro Tem Nick Dunlap, and Councilmember Jamie Valencia. While the city’s special counsel from the law firm Jones Mayer indicated that PAC contributions do not disqualify firms under the Levine Act.

Upcoming Special Meeting Raises Questions About Transparency

A special meeting has been scheduled for 4:00 pm on June 30, 2026, which has raised eyebrows due to the late notice and lack of prior announcement. It appears to be an attempt to limit public engagement in a crucial discussion about Solid Waste Management Services.

The only agenda item for Regular Business is the evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from various firms vying for a contract. Detailed information can be found in the agenda packet, available online. Attendees and interested citizens are urged to focus particularly on the first two items listed at www.cityoffullerton.com/agendas.

A final contract is expected to be awarded before the July 1, 2027, start date, especially in light of CalRecycle’s approaching compliance deadlines for July 2026/2027.

See backup materials at the bottom of the linked article below:

Discouraging Public Participation – City Schedules Meeting on Solid Waste Management Proposals for 4 pm on June 30