IRON MOUNTAIN — Breitung Township’s trash collections will soon be handled by GFL Environmental of Kingsford –the same contractor that serves Iron Mountain.

The township board Monday approved a new agreement running through May 31, 2031, after also reviewing a proposal from current contractor Waste Management Inc.

The township might save an estimated $435,000 over the course of the pact by switching to GFL, although fuel costs will have an impact. That’s according to an analysis prepared for the board by Julia Miller, administrative assistant/code enforcement clerk.

GFL is prepared to begin collections April 6 and also plans to switch from the current five-day collection schedule to a four-day schedule beginning May 18, said Denny Olson, township supervisor. If there’s interest, the township could schedule a town hall meeting before then to review collection issues, he said.

The GFL contract calls for a first-year cost of $10.75 monthly per residential unit. There will be annual increases, with the cost for the fifth year coming in at $12.38.

Waste Management’s proposal had a first-year cost of $12.87 monthly, with maximum increases of 5% annually thereafter.

During Monday’s meeting, Olson explained that GFL’s contract will include a fuel cost component. It begins with a base rate of $3.88 per gallon and will be adjusted monthly based on current prices, he said.

Waste Management has agreed to sell its carts to GFL and Olson said both companies promoted a smooth transition.

“They thanked us for the years they’ve had our business,” he said of Waste Management.

Members of the committee that reviewed the proposals included Olson and trustees Brent Johnson and Michael Day. That same panel will now be asked to make a recommendation by mid-May on curbside recycling.

Under new state standards, East Kingsford and Quinnesec are among the communities required to have access to curbside recycling service at least twice per month. By 2028, that requirement will be extended to at least 90% of Breitung Township, according to the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission.

Recycling participation from residents is not required, but the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is expected to ensure that recycling options are available. The cities of Iron Mountain and Kingsford are seeking a state grant to acquire recycling carts, anticipating additional collection charges for residents.

In other action, the township board —

— Heard Olson report that a plan to reorganize the township’s management structure continues in consultation with Randell Girard, principal of Girard & Associates of Marquette. “It’s coming together, but we’re taking our time,” he said.

— Praised the township’s Department of Public Works for its response to Blizzard Elsa, with Olson noting the township assisted the Dickinson County Road Commission with plowing in Quinnesec and East Kingsford. DPW Superintendent Jay Davis, in turn, said the road commission was crucial in meeting township needs.

— Agreed to seek a Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant through Michigan EGLE. The grant would allow for tires to be brought to a central collection site.

— Received a report from Davis showing the township’s ice rinks were open for 34 days this winter, drawing an average of 20 users per day at Quinnesec and 14 per day at East Kingsford. The peak was Dec. 27, with 58 users at Quinnesec and 59 at East Kingsford.

— Approved a DPW request to bring on two full-time workers and one part-time for the period from May 4 to Nov. 13. The department expects to advertise throughout April, with a hiring date potentially coinciding with the April 27 board meeting.

— Received an update on plans for the annual Fire Department Appreciation and Training Dinner. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, with dinner at 6 p.m. at American Legion Hall Post 145 in Norway.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.