Ferris, TX – The City of Ferris has successfully reached an agreement with WM to increase the number of residential homes receiving free solid waste collection from 1,600 to 3,500 homes, ensuring continued cost savings for our residents and preventing the implementation of citywide waste collection fees.
As Ferris has grown, so has the number of homes benefiting from this service. With approximately 1,500 homes already receiving free trash service, we were nearing the previous cap of 1,600. Had this agreement not been reached, solid waste fees would have been introduced across the city, impacting household budgets. This expansion ensures that Ferris residents will continue to receive this service at no cost, saving households approximately $17 to $21 per month, or over $200 per year. Residents will continue to enjoy pick-up at two times a week as they currently do. No change in their service will occur.
Ferris remains the only city in the ArkLaTex region to receive free residential trash service through WM, a distinction that highlights our city’s innovative approach to serving residents. While it may seem natural to assume that our proximity to a landfill entitles us to free service, many communities have landfills nearby and still pay full price for waste collection. This agreement is a direct result of the City’s proactive efforts to negotiate on behalf of residents and maximize the benefits available to our community.
It is important to note that WM was under no obligation to increase the number of free homes covered under the agreement. The City of Ferris secured this expansion through proactive discussions and a strong working relationship with WM. This long-term agreement, originally negotiated years ago, did not require WM to make this change, yet, through collaboration and strategic partnership, Ferris successfully worked with WM to more than double the number of households receiving free service.
“Our partnership with WM continues to provide outstanding value to the people of Ferris,” said Brooks Williams, City Manager of Ferris. “Not only does this agreement secure continued savings for thousands of our residents, but it also reinforces Ferris’s ability to deliver high-quality services without increasing financial burdens on families. This is another example of how we are always looking ahead and working to protect the best interests of our residents.”
Fred C. Pontley, Mayor of Ferris, added: “This is a major win for Ferris. We were rapidly approaching the original limit of 1,600 homes, and without this expansion, residents would have faced new waste collection fees. Thanks to our strong relationship with WM and the City’s proactive leadership, we’ve secured a benefit that no other city in the ArkLaTex region enjoys.”
This achievement further solidifies Ferris’s position as a forward-thinking city that prioritizes quality of life, financial responsibility, and strategic partnerships. Ferris continues to lead the way in delivering innovative solutions that benefit our community and show what it means to be Distinct by Design.
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