Hudson Terminates Black Hawk Waste Contract, Names Cooley Sanitation New Provider

By Dani McCulley

The Hudson City Council voted Monday to terminate its contract with Black Hawk Waste and approved Cooley Sanitation as the city’s new waste provider.

The decision follows months of service concerns involving delayed and incomplete garbage collection.

Cooley Sanitation, based in Morrison, Iowa, submitted the lowest of three bids received by the city.

Representatives from all three companies that submitted bids told the council they would continue Hudson’s current services, including yard waste collection, recycling, Christmas tree removal and two large citywide cleanup days each year.

Paul Cooley told the council that Cooley Sanitation has adequate staffing and equipment to serve Hudson. He said the company has several reliable trucks, is adding another new truck to its fleet and has enough staff to handle the community’s needs. The new agreement would be for three years with no rate increases during the contract period.

Cooley also said the company is prepared to begin service immediately.

Public Works Director Jake Hovey said the city is still working to determine an official start date for regular garbage pickup.

Hovey said the city is attempting to coordinate the transition with Black Hawk Waste, including the exchange of garbage bins and other logistical details. If Black Hawk Waste does not complete garbage pickup during the transition, Cooley Sanitation will step in and provide service.

Cooley met with city officials the following day to discuss the transition.

The change in providers also brings an earlier date for Hudson’s annual citywide cleanup, which is typically held in October.

Cooley Sanitation will handle the cleanup Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon near the downtown recycling bins.

Following the council’s decision, Mayor Hector Baldiviezo posted an update on social media.

“On behalf of the City Council and City staff, we apologize for the inconvenience,” Baldiviezo wrote. “Thank you for your patience as we took the time to follow proper protocol.”

Additional information is expected as the city finalizes the transition to Cooley Sanitation, including the official start date for regular garbage collection.