Local trash hauler Republic Services is making a commitment to improve services in Avon following a flurry of resident complaints over the past few months.
Municipal Sales Manager Dave Kidder told Avon City Council on Sept. 19 that the novel coronavirus pandemic has created challenges for their operations but they are committed to fixing problems.
“We, like every other industry, have had to deal with more than we’ve had to be dealing with over the past year and a half,” he said.
Yard waste volumes have remained high.
Kidder said labor shortages are delaying pickups, with about 110 daily residential routes in their service area and only 95 drivers.
Republic Services is competing for commercial drivers more now than ever before, he said.
‘We’ll get it under control. It’s just going to take a little longer,” Kidder added. “We certainly understand the frustration of residents. Nobody gets more frustrated when we don’t get routes done than me.”
The hauler has been hiring since February and reassured council that they will address the situation.
Ward 1 Councilman Bob Butkowski asked Kidder if Republic Services would consider rolling back a three percent price increase invoked in August as part of the current five-year memorandum of understanding with the city signed in 2019.
Kidder said he would look into the issue, but noted their costs have increased across the board.
“We’re paying more for everything we’re doing,” Kidder added.
Council President Brian Fischer commended Republic for the improvements in communicating with residents on changes and delays, and stated it has gotten 100 times better.
The frustration dates to an Aug. 2 work session following complaints from several Lorain County municipalities due to delayed yard waste pickup.
