CORTLAND — The city is saying goodbye to Republic Services for residential garbage and recycling collection, and instead is going with Ohio Valley Waste.

City council approved the new garbage contract Monday night.

Mayor Jim Bradley said the move follows months of work to replace a contract that had been allowed to lapse.

“I think everyone has heard that our residents want to get good service, but pay the least that they can for it,” Bradley said. “This time around through the bidding, Ohio Valley was the lowest.”

Council gave the new, five-year contract its first reading. Ohio Valley Waste was the lowest bidder among four companies. The city has been operating without a formal contract after its previous agreement with Republic Services expired last year.

Under the proposed contract, residents would pay about $19.65 per month for standard service — two trash carts and one recycling cart — with costs rising to about $21.98 by the end of the five-year term.

City officials said the change comes as Republic Services has increased its rates. Current rates for city residents are set to rise to $75 per quarter; the new contract would bring that cost to about $60 per quarter for the same level of service.

The proposal includes two annual cleanups and no fuel surcharge. Residents would be able to choose between cart service or bag-based service, with carts provided by the company.

The new contract is set to begin in October.