In a parking lot, we caught up with Aaron Johnson, the newly appointed CEO of Priority Waste, to discuss the mounting frustrations of customers and local authorities alike. The issues, it seems, are multi-faceted and have been plaguing the company for quite some time.
Acknowledging the Problem
Johnson was forthright in his assessment of the company's service, admitting that it fell short of expectations. He attributed the problems to a lack of drivers, an aging fleet, and a significant backlog of cart requests. At one point, the company had over 10,000 overdue cart requests, a number that has since been reduced but still stands at a concerning 4,000.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the company's response to these challenges. Priority Waste has taken swift action, hiring 41 drivers in just three weeks and investing in a significant fleet upgrade. They've purchased 198 rental trucks and ordered 91 new automated side-loading trucks, a move that demonstrates a commitment to addressing the root causes of the issues.
Cities Take Action
However, for some municipalities, the pace of change has been too slow. St. Clair Shores and Westland have both taken steps to address the inadequate service. St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby highlighted the core issue: garbage pickup. With residents facing inconveniences and health concerns due to uncollected waste, the city has hired Express Waste to take over trash collection.
Westland, too, is taking a financial approach, withholding a substantial sum from Priority Waste due to missed pickups and delayed collections. Mayor Kevin Coleman's decision sends a clear message about the importance of reliable waste management services.
Taking Responsibility
Johnson understands the frustration and accepts full responsibility for the company's shortcomings. He's brought in an outside team to manage overflow calls, a step towards improving customer service. In my opinion, this shows a willingness to adapt and a recognition of the need for change.
A Broader Perspective
The situation with Priority Waste highlights the challenges faced by waste management companies across the country. Driver shortages, aging fleets, and supply chain issues are not unique to this company. What's interesting is how different municipalities are responding to these challenges. Some are taking a more proactive approach, like St. Clair Shores, while others are using financial incentives, as seen in Westland.
This raises a deeper question about the role of local governments in ensuring essential services are delivered effectively. It's a complex issue, but one that warrants further exploration and discussion.
