Drop off day is mea culpa from Waste Management

Waste Management is looking to make amends with the Village of Saukville after weeks of delayed garbage and recycling pickups with a free bulky item drop off day Nov. 13.

The village is one of many communities experiencing pickup issues with Waste Management.

While some municipalities like Port Washington have decided to terminate their contract with the disposal company, others like the Town of Saukville and villages of Belgium and Saukville are hoping to make the agreement work.

Village Administrator Dawn Wagner said during an Oct. 5 Village Board meeting that Waste Management has been affected by staff shortages like many other businesses and that the village will attempt to work with the disposal company on addressing pickup delays.

The village has about three years remaining on its contract with Waste Management.

Wagner said while the village is willing to work with the company, the pickup delays have caused a flood of resident calls to the village which detract village staff members from their usual duties.

She said Waste Management will be notified of village expenses relating to the delays and that compensation may be requested.

“I do think they owe the village something regarding that, not just good service but beyond that,” she said.

Waste Management will be offering a complimentary household bulky item drop-off day on Saturday, Nov. 13, to help make amends with the village. Such events are typically financed by municipalities but the company will be hosting the event au gratis.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. village residents are invited to bring bulky items to the Public Works Department at 649 S. Main St. to drop off old couches, mattresses and other household items.

One bulky item per vehicle will be accepted and unloading assistance will be available. Appliances or electronics will not be taken.

During the drop off event, Waste Management drivers will also be present to chat about their daily operations and offer chances to see disposal trucks up close and personal.

In a Waste Management announcement of the drop-off event, District Manager Matt McGurn apologized for the delays and said the company is doing everything it can to restore reliable service.

“In recent months a shortage of drivers has led to service problems and delays for some of our Saukville customers,” he stated. “We’ve hired new drivers who will be joining the team to serve you. With their help, we are making rapid gains in bringing you the service you deserve.”

The Town of Belgium on Tuesday reported that service had improved at its transfer site months after Waste Management was put on notice after not picking up recycling materials on time.