Public Works in Your Neighborhood: February 2026

The City of Fort Wayne's Public Works division held a meeting focused on solid waste services, featuring Matt Gratz, the city's solid waste manager, and Jake Mortonson, general manager of GFL Environmental, the city's contracted waste and recycling hauler. They discussed the scope of solid waste operations, including garbage and recycling collection for approximately 85,000 households, contract oversight for disposal and recycling processing, and maintenance of over 175,000 garbage and recycling carts. The partnership with GFL was highlighted as successful, emphasizing open communication and responsiveness to city council and residents. Recycling efforts in 2025 were reviewed, noting over 10,650 tons recycled and nearly $1 million earned from commodity sales, with ongoing public education campaigns to reduce contamination and improve recycling quality. Operational details such as proper cart placement, bulk item collection, and challenges posed by winter weather were also covered, along with a strong focus on employee safety and community cooperation. The meeting underscored the importance of efficient contracting, public engagement, and budget-conscious management in maintaining effective solid waste services.