Garbage Pick Up Challenges, Communications Issues, as GFL Document Circulates
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 5, 2024)
Oakland County, MI- GFL customers across SE Michigan have taken to social media to share stories of trash pick up delays, and screenshots of a memo sent to GFL employees about the company’s likely sale.
The GFL memo comes from John Addison, General Manager for Wayne County. The letter says the company isselling it’s business and assets to Priority Waste. The May 29 letter told staffers that “Our understanding is that Priority intends to extend offers to the majority of employees.”
In wake of the letter, GFL has seen staffing shortages, and communities across the region have experienced delayed and missed pickups. Local leaders, whose communities have contracts with GFL, were as surprised by the news as employees and customers were.
Commerce Township’s Facebook page shared an update from Supervisor Larry Gray. “As mentioned in an earlier update, Commerce Township was made aware of the internal employee document from GFL to their employees. We placed calls into GFL for confirmation of the letter on the purchase of GFL by Priority Waste.
“I have spoken with our contacts within GFL and it has been confirmed the purchase will be taking place on June 30, 2024 with the transfer of service on July 1, 2024. There has not been an official announcement of the purchase of GFL by Priority Waste. Priority Waste states this will be a smooth transition, with no interruption of service once the purchase is complete. There will be no change in pick up dates or other services.
“As you can imagine, if you’ve ever gone through a company merger or buyout, there is an unforeseen future ahead for all employees. With this, I was notified that many trash, recyclable and yard waste drivers and other employees have already left GFL. Here in Commerce, our GFL crew experienced 3 leaving yesterday. The goal of the local GFL team is to focus on picking up trash and recycling on the scheduled pickup days. They will be running behind a day as of now on yard waste. GFL will be contracting a company to assist with the employee shortage until the acquisition is complete.”
As of Wednesday, Rochester Hills had nothing official to report, sharing “We want to let residents know we are aware of the stories regarding the potential sale of GFL’s residential services in southeast Michigan to Priority Waste. At this time, nothing has been submitted in writing to the City. Our leadership team has reached out to the leadership at both companies and are awaiting their response.”
The City of Madison Heights shared “We’ve taken note of the rumors surrounding the potential sale, but as of now, the City hasn’t received any official communication or written confirmation regarding this matter. Our leadership team reached out to our GFL representatives and did receive verbal confirmation of the potential sale of GFL residential accounts to Priority Waste; however, we are awaiting their response regarding specific details or other information.”
Priority Waste announced the acquisition on Tuesday in a press release, stating “Priority Waste LLC (“Priority Waste”) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of GFL Environmental Inc. (“GFL”) for the acquisition of GFL’s residential solid waste collection business in Southeast Michigan, namely, Oakland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Macomb, Genesee and Wayne counties. The sale includes agreements with 73 municipal customers as well as 70,000 households comprised of homeowners associations and subscription residential customers. Closing of the transaction is scheduled to occur on or before June 30, 2024, subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.
“Todd Stamper announced the acquisition to the Priority team, which was met with excitement and pride in the growth Priority has experienced in the last 6 years. He stated, “Let’s make our new team members feel welcome. Remember that change is a gain not a loss.”
WasteDive.com reports that the deal could make Priority the largest residential service provider in the state.
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett shared that “As of today, GFL is caught up and on schedule. Our Residential Route Supervisor said they anticipate being able to maintain us on our regular scheduled days going forward.. If you’re garbage, recycling or compost does not get picked up on your regularly scheduled day, feel free to leave it out in case they do run behind schedule again.
Barnett also asked that residents not approach the drivers who are out collecting trash. “Over the weekend the drivers are saying they were getting approached 40 to 50 times per day by residents who are upset.
“The drivers are doing their jobs and every time they get stopped it slows them down.”
Several of the communities mentioned also shared a commitment to ensuring contracts are honored and trash pick up will continue.
Priority Waste is based in Clinton Township, and has facilities in Oakland, Wayne, Genessee, and Saginaw Counties in Michigan, as well as Marion County, Indiana and Toledo, Ohio. Learn more about Priority at https://www.prioritywaste.com/about-us/.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
