Curbside pickup of recyclables is returning to Westland, effective July 1.

City council voted unanimously at its June 1 meeting to enter into an agreement with Republic Services, effectively ensuring recycling pickup for at least the next two years. Council also voted 5-2 on the 2020-21 fiscal year budget, which includes funding for recycling. 

"I know this is something we've all heard from residents time and again on and it's really an honor to be able to protect our environment, combat climate change and bring recycling back to the city of Westland," Councilman Mike McDermott said. 

In March, voters chose to fund a millage that will fund the sanitation budget, which includes recycling services. 

Mayor Bill Wild said Republic Services was the city's only bidder. The company has a Southfield location where the city's recycling will be taken to and processed for $120 a ton. 

As part of the two-year deal with Republic Services, the city will pay $125 per ton in the second year, then the city will negotiate a price for a third year of service if officials choose to. Council plans to equip bins with stickers to remind residents what can and cannot be recycled.

Though the city was working with ReCommunity, which is now owned by Republic, for processing when the recycling program ended in March 2019, it does have history with Republic.

"When we first started our recycling program, Republic would actually, with their own trucks, come pick up our recycling and take it to a place in New Boston," Mayor Bill Wild said. "They do have history working with the city and their operation is located in Wayne."