Priority Waste takes over refuse hauling in Farmington Hills

Priority Waste takes over refuse hauling in Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills, July 17, 2024 – A significant transition spawns in the refuse hauling industry as Priority Waste takes over the residential trash collecting assets from the well-known company, Green For Life Environmental (GFL).

Much to everyone’s surprise, the news about this significant transaction was revealed via social media before GFL could issue its official statement. Matt Allen, Priority Waste’s director of public relations and government affairs, commented, “Social media got ahead of the process.” This change, effective from July 1, effectively turns the lime-green trucks of GFL into the vibrant yellow of Priority Waste.

Details about the Transition

Managing waste across several counties such as Oakland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Macomb, Genesee, and Wayne, GFL recently negotiated the sale of its residential waste hauling contracts to Priority Waste. As detailed by John Addison, GFL General Manager for Wayne, this deal includes “the transfer of contracts with 75 municipal customers as well as 70,000 homeowner’s associations and subscription residential customers.” However, GFL will retain its commercial contracts.

What this Means for Residents

Despite the transition of waste management companies, there will be no changes to the existing trash collection dates and the residents can still use their GFL bins. In a recent statement released by the city of Farmington Hills, they assuage community members’ concerns by reassuring, “Priority Waste has committed to improving service levels in all communities, and will deploy additional resources such as drivers, trucks, and management, as necessary.”

All garbage will continue to be delivered to either the Waste Management Woodland Meadows landfill or the GFL Arbor Hills landfill, both of which have traditionally served Farmington Hills. Moreover, yard waste will be sent to the Spurt facility in Wixom, and recyclables will continue to be transported to the Materials Recovery Facility in Southfield.

A Hopeful Transition

With the transition still in early stages, Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian expressed confidence, saying, “All seems and appears to be well.” Mekjian praised the smooth transition process, crediting Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southeast Michigan General Manager Mike Csapo for the efficient collaboration. “I have every reason to be confident with Priority Waste’s service,” concluded Mekjian.

However, with this new arrangement, hundreds of GFL employees affected by the transition will be terminated but will have the chance to reapply for their jobs with Priority Waste. Allen reassured that the company is striving to make this changeover a seamless procedure to ensure no interruption in service.

Looking Forward

Transition talks began early in 2024, and Priority waste has already taken over from GFL in Detroit and Sterling Heights earlier in June. Going forward, Priority Waste plans to assess and upgrade the 500 pieces of equipment they have acquired from GFL. Describing the company’s plans, Allen stated, “We’re going to do an overhaul of their fleet.”

As we anticipate a new era of residential waste management in Farmington Hills, this change hints at an overall better level of service and a promising future for this essential sector. For further information or queries, the Division of Public Works can be contacted at (248) 871-2850 or visited at fhgov.com/trash.