Portage considers single trash hauler to streamline services and reduce road damage

PORTAGE, Mich. — The City of Portage is considering options for a single-unit trash hauler.

The city has heard proposals from three different waste companies: Best Way, Republic, and Waste Management. Once all three are reviewed, they will then deicide which company to go with.

Assistant City Manager Justin Williams said people have raised concerns that the city is taking their choice away of a trash hauler.

However, Williams said the city is not taking those options away but finding one company that will provide more resources.

One company will pick up trash and recycling, according to Williams, who added that this will limit damage on the roads from several different trash trucks and be much more economically efficient for the city and its residents.

“Now, you see about six garbage trucks going through the city during the week, and now, going to the single-hauler, that will take us down to two, which is amazing,” Williams said.

The city said they will come to a decision on the single-hauler unit in July.