The acquisition of On-Site by Waste Connections has led to significant financial strain on the City of Wellington's Sanitation Department. The purchase resulted in a 53% loss of business for the city, necessitating cost-cutting measures. The city has had to lay off three employees, transfer two to the Public Works Department, and find new employment for the third. This decision was made to address a projected loss of $100,000 in 2026, primarily due to the reduction in personnel costs. The city's unique position as one of the few municipalities with its own trash service adds complexity to the situation. While many communities opt for private companies like Waste Connections, Wellington's landfill is also used by large waste management companies, including On-Site, which was the largest customer. The acquisition has created a surplus of revenue, generating almost $15,000 in the past month, but the city must still make cuts to balance its budget. The city's memo to residents explains the changes in trash collection routes and emphasizes that the service level will remain consistent. Despite the financial challenges, the city manager, Jeff Porter, believes there are no immediate solutions to the revenue loss, as Waste Connections primarily uses the transfer station occasionally. The council is exploring options for trash hauling outside the city, but the limited resources and long-term debt commitments make this a challenging prospect. A recent poll revealed that 69% of residents prefer the current public trash service, indicating a strong preference for maintaining the status quo.
