FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — Clifton taxpayers deserve a clear accounting of the city’s decision to extend its garbage collection contract with Suburban Disposal through December 31, 2027, particularly as officials prepare for the next generation of municipal sanitation services.
City Council candidate Tafari Anderson is calling for the public release of the city’s sanitation consultant findings, a comprehensive contractor performance review, and transparent planning for future competitive procurement.
On January 17, 2023, Clifton awarded Suburban Disposal a contract for residential and commercial solid-waste collection, bulk-waste collection, and vegetative-material collection. The agreement covered March 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025, with two optional one-year extensions.
The City Council authorized the first extension on January 20, 2026, at a maximum of $9,581,000. A September 15, 2026 council action subsequently authorized the final option for 2027.
The original contract scheduled the 2027 option at $10,444,000, an increase of $863,000, approximately 9%, over the 2026 option.
“Renewing an existing contract may be legally permissible, but taxpayers still deserve to understand the financial justification, performance findings, and alternatives considered,” Anderson stated.
Anderson recommends publicly presenting the sanitation consultant’s findings, evaluating contractor performance, and establishing a transparent procurement timeline before the current agreement expires.
Nearby Oakland and Pompton Lakes offer an example of regional cooperation in garbage and recycling services. Anderson believes Clifton should objectively examine competitive private bidding, municipal operations, shared services, and hybrid collection models without assuming any approach guarantees savings.
“Clifton must prepare now for its next sanitation contract,” Anderson concluded. “Reliable collection, competitive pricing, and public accountability should guide every decision.”
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.
Supporting Contract Documentation
Original contract: Clifton City Council Resolution R060-23, January 17, 2023.
2026 renewal: Resolution R025-26, January 20, 2026, maximum authorized amount $9,581,000.
2027 renewal: Final one-year option authorized September 15, 2026. Original contract option price: $10,444,000. The final renewal authorization amount requires independent confirmation.
Contract account: 01-201-32-465-502, Solid Waste Collection/Recycling.
Official sources: January 17, 2023 Council minutes; January 20, 2026 Council minutes.