San Diego invites private proposals on Miramar Landfill

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said he will explore getting the city out of the landfill business so it can concentrate on core services such as police, firefighting, parks and libraries. The mayor will invite the private sector to submit proposals for taking over the Miramar landfill, which the city has operated since 1959.

“By seeking proposals, we’re simply doing what any smart government agency or private business would do: We’re exploring our options,” Sanders said.

The city council will have final say on whether to accept a particular proposal. In addition to city council approval, state labor laws will require appropriate meet and confer with labor unions.

City attorney Jan Goldsmith said selling the landfill “is not outsourcing where the city would contract with a private firm to operate the landfill for the city.”

“Unlike outsourcing, the intent is to sell our assets, relinquish control and completely get out of the landfill business,” Goldsmith said. “If a transaction occurs, I expect it would be similar to San Diego County’s innovative sale of its landfills in 1997.”

The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) applauded Mayor Sanders’ announcement that he intends to get the city of San Diego out of the landfill business and encouraged the city council to support the Mayor’s initiative.

EDC is supported by more than 150 of San Diego’s largest companies and most influential business leaders.