PSC investigates delayed trash pickups in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) — Waste Management customers in Kanawha and Putnam counties reported missed trash pickups during the winter months, grabbing the attention of state Del. Andy Shamblin, R-Kanawha.

“I had a multitude of constituents reach out to me, stating their garbage had not been picked up for not only just once, but in some cases, for weeks,” Shamblin said.

He said he first heard about the issues nearly a month ago, so he went to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.

The PSC opened an investigation on Monday, giving the company 20 days to answer.

“I think the old saying is true, what gets monitored gets done, what gets monitored gets improved,” Shamblin said.

The PSC said they tried working with Waste Management to offer alternative pickup spots when roads were slick, but after receiving more complaints from customers, Shamblin said other concerns came to light.

“Lack of communication in terms of pick-up changes, pick-up schedules and partial incomplete pickups have also been an issue,” Shamblin said.

The PSC said staff will file two reports on the investigation. The commission has asked Waste Management to provide information on the Cross Lanes and Hurricane areas first, including the number of calls taken, policy on missed pickups, notifying customers and how unsafe road conditions are determined.

The PSC is also investigating issues across the state and staff will file a report within 30 days of the order.

Shamblin said the investigation is important for customers in his district, because they’re stuck without options.

“This is a regulated monopoly. It isn’t as if someone who’s living in Cross Lanes can just go and contract with someone else to pickup their garbage, like this is their only service,” Shamblin said.

Shamblin also asked the PSC to consider ordering Waste Management to provide credits for missed pickups, and Waste Management has until April 8 to provide information.

Shamblin said customers with complaints or previous problems should contact the PSC to document the issues.

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