Portage mayor responds to criticism of Waste Management trash pickup contract

PORTAGE, Mich. — Portage says it’s set on picking a single provider to haul away trash.

City officials are denouncing what they call a lack of decorum at Tuesday’s city council meeting after residents upset about the decision made their voices heard.

Right now, residents have a few different options for companies to pick up their garbage, including Republic, Waste Management, and Best Way.

A vote Tuesday means they will have to contract with Waste Management.

The city says Waste Management underbid the two other companies by millions of dollars.

Some residents, furious with the council over the decision, brought up the possibility of local job losses and a lack of consumer choice.

Mayor Patricia Randall responded to the criticism, telling News Channel 3 displacement of local jobs is still a concern for her.

She points out that more and more communities are moving toward a single-hauler system, and says trucks from multiple companies are tearing up the roads.

“I like options. I like supporting local,” she said. “But when the cost differential is $10 million, it’s not even close to the bid that we received from Waste Management.”

The mayor says that $10 million in savings will happen over a five-year period, with regular pickup costing $14.04 a month for consumers.

But residents at the meeting cited statistics saying most residents are happy with their current service.

Homeowners in Portage were unhappy with the change, including Danielle Morrison, who price compares different disposal options each year.

“I don’t even think I’ve seen anybody with Waste Management,” she said. “So I’m not sure what that service is going to be like. And I don’t really want to be forced into a service either.”

The mayor said many people in favor of Waste Management were afraid to speak up during the raucous public comment.

She expects residents to become more comfortable with the new contract soon, saying they will pull their support if Waste Management doesn’t do its job.

“It’s our fiduciary responsibility to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly,” Randall said.

News Channel 3 also spoke with Best Way, one of the companies that lost during the bidding process.

They explained their bid was higher because of additional services they provide, such as picking up items set beside a trash can, and didn’t feel that was well represented to council.

Waste Management will become the city’s sole provider on March 1, 2026.