West Bloomfield Twp Aims to Reimburse Residents for Disappointing Trash Pickup Services
Residents of West Bloomfield Township are fed up and demanding action to be taken after experiencing what they describe as abysmal trash pickup services from a company called GFL. This lackluster service has prompted the township to take the step of seeking refunds for nearly 20,000 households.
During the month of June, residents noticed a significant downfall in the quality of trash collection services, which they blame on GFL. Missing collection days and leaving garbage behind has become the norm. This have led residents like Sheldon Eustice to comment that his neighborhood’s Facebook page was filled with complaints and echoing frustrations.
Another frustrated resident, John Skarakis, described the uncollected garbage situation as getting out of hand, especially during the hot summer months. “We had garbage all over the place, many times”, he stated. According to him, this mishap did not just cause an eyesore but the stench also made it unbearable.
Steve Kaplan, the Township Supervisor, is keen to make amends for the residents. He has highlighted his aim to leverage a $1.5 million performance bond with GFL to reimburse residents for the disappointing service rendered. Kaplan describes the service from GFL as abysmal and critiqued them for leaving garbage behind, tossing cans in the ditch and not picking up recycling or yard waste. Kaplan and their attorneys are now working on the case, hoping to secure at least a $20 refund for each customer.
Though securing reimbursement using a performance bond is an unfamiliar approach for many municipalities, Kaplan believes that they have a solid case. “We feel we have a good case because their service was abysmal, or non-service. Our residents did suffer and that’s the purpose of a performance bond, to ensure good service”, Kaplan stated. The residents, for their part, are not getting their hopes too high but are grateful for the township’s initiative.
While this case is still far from a resolution, residents are keen to see where it leads. It has also been hinted that if collected, the refunded money could be credited to the upcoming bills with Priority Waste. As the waiting continues, contact has been made with GFL for a comment but they are yet to respond.
