The city may grant an exclusive contract to one or more persons for the collection of garbage, trash, and rubbish within the city, or any part thereof, provided, however, that any such agreement or contract executed pursuant to the terms hereof, shall be for a period of not less than three years nor more than five years. The terms, provisions and conditions of any such agreement or contract shall be within the discretion of the City Council. It shall be unlawful for any person other than authorized collectors as provided for herein to collect, handle or interfere in any manner with garbage and refuse containers, receptacles or bulk refuse placed in the streets, alleys or other public places in the city.
(`73 Code, 35.004, § 2.4)