Oaklands trash collector sues city for breach of contract

Waste Management of Alameda County has initiated a lawsuit against Oakland, alleging breach of contract related to trash collection services. Filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the lawsuit claims the city imposed nearly $24 million in unfair penalties for failing to meet waste disposal targets and refused to negotiate contract modifications in good faith. The dispute stems from a 2015 agreement in which Waste Management committed to achieving Oakland's "Zero Waste" goal but claims delays caused by the city hindered its compliance. Previous legal claims from 2020 were paused for negotiations, but Waste Management asserts the city recently declined to continue talks. The company contends that penalties are unauthorized by their agreement and unfair, given the external delays.

The outcome of the lawsuit could significantly impact Oakland residents and businesses, though the city has yet to respond. Waste Management emphasized that it still seeks a negotiated resolution despite filing the lawsuit. The city's failure to address illegal dumping and collect payments from non-compliant customers further complicates the situation.