By Erica Thomas, managing editor
SPRINGVILLE — After dozens of calls and complaints from residents, some local mayors are at a loss on what to do about a garbage pickup problem.
Some residents in Springville, Argo and Odenville reported they went without pickup for two to three weeks, although they continued to pay for the service.
Waste Management, the company that picks up garbage as part of a contract with the cities, is experiencing a shortage of workers. The company released the following statement:
“Waste Management is dedicated to taking care of our customers. Nationally, Waste Management and the rest of the waste industry compete in a labor market that has a shortage of CDL drivers and technicians. As many areas are opening, we have a need to add skilled team members to our WM family. WM provides full-time employees and their families with comprehensive medical benefits, a generous 401(k) plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that allows employees to buy WM stock at a minimum 15% discount. WM’s new benefit program, Your Tomorrow, in collaboration with Guild Education, is the first-of-its-kind program providing WM employees, as well as their eligible dependents, the opportunity to choose from a full range of education options, including earning a college degree, at no cost to the employee.”
Springville and Argo City Councils are in the process of discussing contracted garbage services. Argo Mayor Betty Bradley said her own garbage has not been picked up for three weeks. After contacting Waste Management, she was told extra trucks were being sent to the area. Although her neighbor’s garbage was picked up, Bradley said hers was not.
In Springville, Mayor Dave Thomas said his hands are tied. The city simply contracts the company to pick up garbage but it has no input on the company’s operations.
If you are interested in working at Waste Management, view current job openings, on the WM Careers website – https://careers.wm.com.