Cleveland is soliciting proposals to develop and operate a waste reduction and recycling project as a long-term waste management solution for the city.

Cleveland’s Department of Public Works issued a request for proposals (RFP) for firms to design, build, own and operate the project, according to a news release.

The successful proposer will take in residential and commercial waste from the city’s municipal solid waste collection. It will manage and process the waste to recover recyclables not collected in the city’s curbside recycling program, including possibly employing other processes for organic materials.

The operator is being asked to produce an MSW-engineered fuel to be sold as a coal substitute to Cleveland Thermal, a local company that supplies steam to the city, Cuyahoga County and other downtown businesses.

The RFP is aimed to work along with the ongoing expansion of automated waste collection and curbside recycling pickup, efforts to improve recycling habits by residents and the city’s Climate Action Plan.

“With this RFP, we are seeking to increase our recycling rates, reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill and do so in a way that is sustainable and economically beneficial to the city and our residents,” said Mayor Frank Jackson. “It is an effort that helps the city move forward towards our zero waste goals.”

The RFP calls for a 30-year operating agreement with two 10-year renewable options at the city’s discretion. Proposals are due June 12, and Cleveland plans to make a selection in early September.

Cleveland City Council will need to review and approve legislation that’s required for the project.

Cleveland has contracted with waste consulting firm Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. (GBB) for assistance with the project.