A Nov. 5, 2012 photo shows public works employees tossing waterlogged bedding into a garbage truck in Point Pleasant Beach N.J. a week after Superstorm Sandy roared through. Debris disposal costs are a major expense for towns that were hard hit by the storm. Even with federal reimbursement for much of the cleanup and rebuilding expenses, these towns could be facing property tax hikes next year as a result of the unexpected costs, and the loss of millions of dollars of taxable property. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
The city of Santa Rosa is narrowing its search for a new garbage hauler. The list of companies vying for the large contract is down to two – Waste Management, the largest garbage company in the nation, and the far smaller GreenWaste Recovery, a San Jose-based company that serves about 20 communities. Officials are expected to make a recommendation of a preferred option to the City Council sometime in late May.