City Weighs Waste Contract Shift, Regional Leaders Push Highway Connector
Toledo, OH – March 29, 2026 – City Council reviews a major trash contract change as regional leaders press ODOT on a long-sought US23-I-71 connector.
Toledo leaders closed out the week with key discussions on trash service, transportation planning, and long-term infrastructure priorities.
Trash Contract Change Under Review
On Wednesday, Toledo City Council held a public hearing on a proposed switch in the city’s waste hauler. The current contract with Republic Services expires August 31, and officials are weighing a move to Priority Waste.
The decision carries citywide impact, affecting residential collection, service standards, and long-term costs. Council members heard feedback as they evaluate pricing, reliability, and how a new contract would align with neighborhood service expectations.
A final decision is expected later this spring to ensure a smooth transition before the current agreement ends.
Regional Push for US23-I-71 Connector
Transportation and economic development leaders are also pressing the Ohio Department of Transportation to advance a proposed highway connector linking US23 and I-71. The project is seen as a strategic move to strengthen freight mobility and business ties between Toledo and Columbus.
At a regional transportation summit held Friday, local officials and business advocates emphasized the connector’s potential to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce travel times, and make northwest Ohio more competitive for logistics and advanced manufacturing investment.
The proposal remains in early planning stages, but supporters say coordinated advocacy will be key as state transportation funding decisions take shape.
Budget Season in Focus
With City Council facing a March 31 charter deadline to finalize budget matters, infrastructure, service contracts, and capital planning are front and center. Waste collection, road funding, and long-term transportation improvements all intersect with broader discussions about fiscal stability and neighborhood investment.
As Toledo approaches the second quarter of 2026, the coming weeks will shape how the city balances core services with growth-focused infrastructure priorities.
