Athens Truck (File Photo – athensservices.com)
On Monday, March 25, Athens Services informed the City of San Marino that it will be terminating its waste hauling and street sweeping services, effective May 30, 2025.
By News Desk
After more than five decades of service, Athens’ departure leaves the City with less than two and a half months to secure alternative solutions.
San Marino
In a statement to the community, the City of San Marino clarified that it did not ask Athens to abandon the community. Negotiations between the City and Athens had been ongoing since 2021, with both parties working toward an agreement that would ensure affordable, high-quality services while complying with new state regulations. Despite the City’s commitment to countless hours of negotiation to reach a fair deal, Athens walked away when the City refused to accept unreasonable price increases and a reduction in protections for residents, according to the statement.
The withdrawal of Athens Services has raised concerns among residents, particularly due to Athens’ decision to terminate street cleaning services—an issue that was not part of the negotiations. City officials have expressed their frustration, accusing Athens of spreading misinformation and using punitive tactics against the community.
“Athens decision to terminate street cleaning services, which have not been a part of the negotiations, demonstrates Athens desire to punish the community of San Marino,” said the City in a statement. “Athens has been spreading misinformation among the residents. Finally, Athens has chosen to take the further aggressive tactic of filing a claim for damages against the City for our efforts in attempting good faith negotiations with them.”
The City emphasized that the RFP process, designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and competitive rates, is the best path forward.
In light of Athens’ decision, the City has already begun negotiations with other waste haulers to ensure services continue uninterrupted if Athens does not reconsider. A key priority is maintaining the City’s unique backyard trash collection service model, which has been a hallmark of waste management in San Marino.
While the City acknowledges the challenges posed by Athens’ departure, officials stated they are working diligently to protect the community’s interests and ensure that future waste services meet both budgetary needs and quality expectations.
“The City is sincerely disappointed Athens has resorted to these unreasonable and threatening tactics,” the City’s statement said. “We are committed to doing everything we can to protect our community.”
Residents and businesses are advised that no action is needed at this time.
[Update]
Athens
In a letter dated March 26 from Athens to the City Manager of San Marino, Athens refuted the City’s online statement and email, asserting that the City had falsely accused Athens of “abandoning” San Marino.
Athens argued that these statements are defamatory and demanded the City retract them immediately. Athens clarified that, in October 2023, the City and Athens agreed to extend their long-standing franchise agreement, which included a termination clause if negotiations failed after a year. Athens exercised this right after the City repeatedly failed to negotiate in good faith, according to the letter, and lacked the competence to implement a required program. Athens asserted that it did not “walk out” of negotiations but made reasonable counterproposals while the City failed to meet, present a competent contract draft, and imposed unreasonable terms.
The letter further criticized the City’s attempt to blame Athens for the failed negotiations, calling it deceptive and misleading.
[This article has been updated to include Athens’ letter disputing the assertions made by the City of San Marino in its statement.]
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