May 5 special election on single-hauler trash ordinance
Portage
Summary
The single-hauler trash fight keeps simmering. Mark Anthony Martin criticized the city's handling of a Waste Management informational meeting, and Councilmember Ledbetter warned that the 'Take Back the Trash' petition language could bar the city from leaf and branch pickup.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city says the single-hauler contract saves residents about $3 million a year over five years.
Voters who educate themselves on the ballot language ahead of the May 5 election.
Residents who prefer choosing their own trash hauler face losing that choice if current arrangements stand.
Mentions & discussions (9)
Ballot item against trash contract in Portage fails, Waste Management remains sole hauler
Ballot item against trash contract in Portage fails, Waste Management remains sole hauler WWMT
City Council - Apr 21, 2026
The May 5 ballot includes an ordinance amendment question on the city's single-hauler trash service. Councilmember Young strongly defended it as fair and fiscally responsible; residents will decide.
City Council - Apr 7, 2026
Best Way, the highest of three bidders, forced a May 5 ballot vote to overturn the city's single-hauler trash contract. Supporters say the change saves residents over $100 a year; the ballot proposal would reverse it. Councilmembers Ledbetter and Pearson both urged a no vote.
City Council - Mar 24, 2026
Absentee ballots go out March 26 for the May 5 vote on repealing/replacing the single-hauler trash ordinance. Pearson urged a 'no' vote citing lower Waste Management bills; Olmsted urged residents to decide for themselves; Miller defended the single-hauler structure and warned recycling programs could be at risk under the ballot proposal.
City Council - Mar 9, 2026
Resident Terry Tessari criticized the ballot-initiative process and announced he is voting no, while Councilmember Ledbetter argued Best Way only sought the election after losing the bid.
City Council - Feb 24, 2026
The single-hauler trash fight keeps simmering. Mark Anthony Martin criticized the city's handling of a Waste Management informational meeting, and Councilmember Ledbetter warned that the 'Take Back the Trash' petition language could bar the city from leaf and branch pickup.
City Council - Feb 10, 2026
The city's move to a single trash hauler remains the community's flashpoint. Critics say the council stripped away their choice of hauler; supporters say competitive bidding got residents the best price. It goes to voters May 5, and the election itself is expected to cost taxpayers about $50,000.
City Council - Jan 27, 2026
The 'Take Back the Trash' ballot initiative would ban exclusive collection contracts — meaning the city might have to stop picking up leaves and brush if it passes. Two council members recused themselves from the ballot-language vote, which passed 4-0 with wording tweaks. The election costs taxpayers about $55,000.
City Council - Jan 13, 2026
The council sent the Take Back the Trash petition to all Portage voters for a May 5, 2026 special election on whether to keep the city's single waste hauler contract. Mayor Randall said the city will fund the election and is pursuing additional legal review of the existing hauler contract, including whether penalties apply.
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