Michigan township extends contract with Priority Waste

Priority Waste has won a one-year extension from Waterford Township, Michigan. 

Despite early concerns regarding customer service, Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta told the company it has “100 percent improved from the rocky start when you took over,” according to The Oakland Press. 

In May 2024, Priority Waste purchased 72 GFL Environmental Inc. municipal contracts and equipment, after which a bumpy transition ensued. In Waterford, The Oakland Press reports that yard waste was left for weeks, and hundreds of customers called township offices to complain about missed pick-up dates and billing issues. 

Priority officials cited problems related to GFL trucks and other equipment and a new automated phone system overwhelmed by calls for the issues. 

Priority’s vice president of municipal sales, Dan Venet, said the fleet was significantly improved and the company had more time to work on vehicle maintenance once the compost pickup season ended. He said the company expects to add 35 new trucks but could not say where they would be assigned.

Township trustees voted unanimously to extend the contract for one year through March 31, 2026. The only change is that trustees negotiated a rate freeze for customers, Bartolotta told The Oakland Press.