Picking up garbage is a dirty job, but it can make a company filthy rich.
Since 1996, three companies, Waste Management, Waste Services and Republic Waste Services, have owned the solid waste contracts in Hillsborough County. Combined they are worth nearly $60 million a year.
The contracts expire in 2013.
With money like that on the table, other companies, like Waste Pro Services, would like a piece of the action.
On Wednesday, commissioners will discuss whether to open the bidding on the contracts to other companies.
Commissioner Al Higginbotham urges that the bidding process be opened, even though he says the three current collectors are doing a fine job.
"I have that same good relationship with my insurance agent and periodically, every two or three years, I go back and check my rates to make sure I am getting the best price and the most services," he said.
The current collectors see no need to open the bidding process.
Commissioners Ken Hagan and Victor Crist agree.
8 On Your Side called Hagan but received a call back from a public relations person who is paid by the one of the current garbage collectors. Crist didn't return a call.
"We owe it to the residents of Hillsborough County to see what else is available," Higginbotham said.
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