Waterford Township Considers Waste Service Options Amid Resident Concerns

Waterford Township Faces Waste Service Decisions

In the picturesque Waterford Township, local officials are gearing up for an important meeting that could change the way residents deal with their trash. Over the next few days, township leaders will be weighing two notable options when it comes to their waste-hauling service. It’s all set to kick off on Monday, November 25, when Township Supervisor Gary Wall and his successor, Anthony Bartolotta, gather for an important study session.

What Are the Options?

On the table is a proposed one-year contract extension with the current waste contractor, Priority Waste. However, there’s also chatter about potentially opting for a new waste hauler altogether. The contract with Priority is due to expire in March, and if the township decides to explore other options, they’ll need to publish a request for proposals. This would allow them to bring in bids from other waste companies, evaluate the offers, and hopefully select a reliable contractor well before the deadline in February.

The Context Behind the Decision

The recent shift in waste management practices comes after Priority Waste’s acquisition of Green for Life (GFL) and its municipal contracts back in May. This buyout has been a bit of a bumpy ride and has led to quite a bit of concern among Waterford residents. Since the transition on July 1, there have been widespread complaints regarding late pickups for trash, yard waste, and recycling. This ongoing issue prompted emergency meetings between municipalities and Priority Waste officials as residents expressed their frustration.

Priority Waste pointed fingers at shoddy trucks acquired from GFL, as well as difficulties in rapidly expanding their fleet, and challenges in hiring and training sufficient drivers to serve their growing customer base. Waterford isn’t alone in their reconsideration of waste service providers; nearby communities, such as Rochester Hills, are also putting pressure on Priority to correct these issues.

Looking at Alternatives

On the heels of these challenges, Orion Township recently announced that they would be ditching Priority Waste by December 31. Instead, they’ve opted for a contract with Waste Management, which will take over on January 1. This change means residents will see a slight bump in their fees—now set at $62.23 per quarter, which is about a $1.15 increase from current rates.`);

A Broader Trend

Notably, even though Priority Waste has secured a five-year contract with Rochester, this is a rare victory for the company among the former GFL communities. Pontiac is seeing a longer-term commitment as well, having signed a ten-year agreement back in June. Meanwhile, Keego Harbor’s city council is set to debate whether to extend their contract with Priority, following a similar path taken in March when their GFL contract was extended through 2027. New agreements are necessary with Priority Waste stepping in and promising to honor GFL’s rates over the next few years.

Stay Informed

For Waterford residents looking for the latest information, the upcoming meeting agendas can be found online. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and weigh in on what direction they’d like the township to go. After all, when it comes to waste management, everybody wants a solution that works seamlessly for their community.

Conclusion

As discussions heat up and decisions loom, all eyes will be on Waterford Township. Whether it’s sticking with the current provider or going in a new direction, it’s clear the community is eager for a service that truly meets their needs. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds!