Suburbs across Metro Detroit are up in arms over Priority Waste's recent service disruptions, with residents reporting missed trash, recycling, and compost pickups. The company's new CEO, Aaron Johnson, has been tasked with addressing these issues, but the question remains: can he turn things around?
The service disruptions have been ongoing since Memorial Day, and the situation has only worsened. In Dearborn Heights, Mayor Mo Baydoun is demanding a reduction in Priority Waste's May invoice and is withholding payment while reviewing enforcement options. The city claims that only 40% of bulk pickups scheduled for May 29 were completed, and most compost collections remained unfinished.
In Westland, Mayor Kevin Coleman agrees that Priority Waste has taken on more than it can handle. The city is reviewing route maps and contract provisions, and is considering assessing fees for missed or delayed pickups. Coleman emphasizes the need for accountability, stating, 'Residents, they’re not going to stay patient forever, and neither will I.'
The situation has led to a wave of action from municipal leaders. In St. Clair Shores, officials are switching haulers, reviewing penalties, withholding payments, and exploring other contract enforcement options. The city's mayor, Kip Walby, highlights the frustration of residents, saying, 'There’s not much more that angers a resident or frustrates a resident than their trash not being picked up.'
In Clinton Township, Supervisor Paul Gieleghem acknowledges the 'huge' impact of the service disruptions on residents. The township has a five-year contract with Priority Waste and has built in a $50 fine for every missed pickup not handled within 24 hours. Gieleghem expresses skepticism but remains committed to monitoring and holding the company accountable.
Priority Waste has acknowledged the service issues and attributed them to financial and operational challenges. The company has invested approximately $190 million to stabilize the business, modernize its fleet, and improve route reliability and customer service. They have hired 28 new drivers, ordered 91 new collection trucks, and are working to reduce service backlogs.
CEO Aaron Johnson's challenge is clear: to ensure trucks are operational, routes are staffed, customers are taken care of, and service reliability improves each week. The company's statement emphasizes the importance of actions over words, promising that customers and communities will begin to see meaningful service improvements in the near term.
However, the question remains: will these improvements be enough to regain the trust of frustrated residents? As the suburbs continue to demand better service, Priority Waste must prove that it can deliver the reliable, consistent service that these communities deserve.
