Missed, Delayed Trash Pickup Complaints Continue In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—Concerns with the garbage/recycling collection with Waste Management have continued in Waukesha. Now the city has hired a third party company to help with bulky items, according to a news alert.

For the past few months residents have complained about missed/delayed pick-ups, long wait times when trying to reach Waste Management customer service, and other related issues.

According to the city's website, they are actively working with the contractor, Waste Management, to try to address these issues.

The city has taken the following steps thus far to address the issues with the contractor:

• Discussed the issues and concerns with the mayor and city administrator.
• Enacted contractual penalty provisions resulting in a $2,950 credit to the city.
• Sent formal correspondence to the contractor outlining the city's concerns.
• Held one virtual meeting with local contract management (April 13th) to list the concerns.
• Scheduled a second meeting with regional management (upcoming on May 7th) and requesting a formal response and outlined solutions to our concerns.
• The city will establish an agreeable timeframe with the contractor to observe the situation for improvements.

The city has penalized Waste Management as allowed under the contract and will continue to do so.

Of note, these issues have peaked coinciding with the acquisition by Waste Management of Advanced Disposal's contract (in November of 2020), according to online city documents.

Waste Management is trying to hire additional drivers and renting trucks to make up for trucks that have broken down.

In addition, they have hired a third party to complete bulky item collection. This will allow their current drivers to focus on residential curbside collection.

"We know this has been frustrating for so many of you and we share that frustration. As a City we will continue to do everything we can to make sure that the garbage/recycling contract is met and that collections are taking place on time," the city alert said.

Concerns and complaints can be reported to the Garbage and Recycling website or call the City Public Work’s Department at 262-524-3600.