DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A recent overhaul in waste management services across Metro Detroit has resulted in widespread frustration, with residents facing delays, missed pickups, and overall confusion. Despite assurances from officials that the situation will improve, the transition has been anything but smooth, according to The Detroit News.

When Priority Waste acquired GFL Environmental’s residential waste management contracts, they became Michigan’s largest trash hauler, responsible for trash, recycling, and yard waste collection in 73 communities.

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Beginning operations on July 1 with 535 vehicles obtained from GFL Environmental, Priority Waste quickly encountered challenges such as inoperable vehicles and backlogged waste left by the previous provider. 

In fact, leaders in Orion, Clinton, and Waterford townships reported a noticeable decline in GFL’s service quality just before Priority Waste took over.

To manage the transition and ensure continuity of service, the Clinton Township-based company hired 600 former GFL employees, taking full responsibility for the waste management services.

Matt Allen, Priority Waste’s director of public relations and government affairs, explained: “We knew we had a heavy load left behind in many of the communities. The problem was the previous provider was basically slowly dwindling on the vine when we did the acquisition, and we’ve been working in earnest to get these issues resolved.” 

He also said that the holiday week and the unprepared state of many vehicles exacerbated the issues.

Scio Township resident Terri Fisher described her experience to The Detroit News as “sporadic at best,” noting inconsistent trash pickups and a lack of communication from Priority Waste.

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“It’s been really bad, to be honest. That’s why I left a one-star review,” Fisher said.

Residents have also reported issues such as rotten scents and maggots due to uncollected waste.

Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett expressed his frustration, stating that the community had enjoyed a strong, four-and-a-half-year contract with GFL, which Priority Waste then assumed. According to The Detroit News, he also mentioned the unfortunate timing of taking on 73 new municipalities on the same day, coinciding with a holiday week in the middle of summer. 

“We are empathetic. Look, I live here, too. My garbage hasn’t been picked up either. I’m irritated as well,” Barnett said.

Priority Waste has acknowledged the problems and is working to resolve them, as reported by The Detroit News. The company has implemented new technology, including trucks with computer systems, cameras, and AI, to improve service efficiency. However, these improvements are expected to take 60 to 90 days to fully implement.

“It’s like repairing the wing of the plane as you’re flying it. I can’t say that there won’t be a delay here or there, but they’ve been dropping precipitously,” Allen told The Detroit News.

In the meantime, local officials are working to keep residents regularly informed with updates. 

Waterford Township Supervisor Gary Wall even hired an outside company to manage yard waste that had accumulated for several weeks. While he remains hopeful, he is uncertain about the timeframe for a complete resolution.

Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon believes the worst is over and has confidence in Priority Waste’s ability to deliver consistent service moving forward. 

 “The new company has a good operation. They’ve got a good system. I’ve seen it. I went over and looked at it myself,” Cannon said.