For more than 30 years, WM (Waste Management) has proudly served Pine Bluff with reliable, locally based waste collection services. We’ve stood with this community through natural disasters, economic challenges, and even a global pandemic. Pine Bluff isn’t just where we do business; it’s our home, too.
Today, as the Pine Bluff City Council prepares to make a critical decision about the future of waste services, we respectfully urge city leaders and residents to closely examine the clear advantages of WM’s alternate proposal — an option that prioritizes affordability, local investment, reliability and accountability.
Let’s start with price, because that impacts every household in Pine Bluff. WM’s alternate residential rate of $15.85 is significantly lower than the $19.39 rate proposed by CARDS, another residential trash service.
That’s a savings of $3.54 per household per month.
While the city’s consultant described this as only a “somewhat lower” rate, we believe $42.48 per year savings deserves stronger recognition — especially at a time when families are facing rising costs across the board. WM proposed this alternate rate in response to increased operating costs outlined in the consultant’s RFP, or request for proposal. Rather than passing these costs onto residents, we offered a more sustainable approach — one that maintains current service levels across residential, commercial and roll-off sectors. We’re not just offering lower costs; we’re also offering continuity and local accountability.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
WM currently operates a hauling facility right here in Pine Bluff, with trucks, carts, and containers already in place.
Our equipment is well-maintained, fully functional, and ready to serve. Replacing perfectly good containers simply for the sake of “newness” is unnecessary. WM stands behind its equipment and will promptly replace any container that needs it.
Our Pine Bluff office is staffed with local team members who know this community and answer your calls — not a regional or out-of-state call center. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and when you have a question or concern, someone from Pine Bluff will be there to help at 6300 W. Fourth Ave. WM is already here and has been a consistent partner for decades.
Other cities, like Bentonville, have chosen to set aside RFP responses and instead negotiate directly with their current provider for better outcomes. Pine Bluff can do the same; especially when the alternate proposal on the table offers substantial savings, less disruption, and local accountability.
WM has invested in something far more important than just trucks and equipment: our people and your community. From supporting the local aquatic center to sponsoring community cleanups, like the one coming up on Sept. 22, WM is proud to give back.
At the end of the day, this is more than a contract.
It’s about trust, experience and choosing a provider that’s proven, present and committed to Pine Bluff’s long-term success.
We thank you for the opportunity to continue serving, and we’re ready to keep Pine Bluff clean, connected and moving forward, together.
Jamie Vernon is the public sector manager – Arkansas, WM.