Republic Services weeks late picking up trash in Vienna Township

VIENNA TOWNSHIP — When driving through Vienna township neighborhoods, you may notice some homes have weeks worth of trash piling up. 

That’s because recycling and waste provider Republic Services has not picked up their trash for over two weeks.

The problem that’s been reported to the Township, the recycling and waste provider and even the 21 Newsroom.

“The problem with that is now it’s, it’s past two weeks. There have been problems with animals, raccoons, possums and even a few skunks getting into the trash,” said Phil Pegg, Vienna Township Trustee. “ It’s almost like putting food out for the animals and that is not a good thing. It encourages them out of the woods and into the neighborhoods and we really don’t want that.”

Pegg and the other trustees heard multiple complaints about the issue. Pegg said people are having to pick up trash that is either blown into the street or yard daily. Plus, the recent hot weather made the situation worse.

“There is a great deal of odor out there with the temperatures we’ve been having as well. It smells,” said Pegg.

The affected homeowners live on or near Warren-Sharon Road. When driving through the area, a 21 News crew saw overflowing trash cans, tripped over cans, and even trash on the street.

Some of the homeowners told 21 News they were relieved after Republic Services picked up their trash Friday morning. But others still have full trash cans in front of their homes.

Pegg said he wishes the township could step in.

“All we can do is the same as the people can do, call them and complain. But the township really has no responsibilities in that, or no way to help the people and we really would like to help, but there’s very little we can do,” said Pegg.

People from Ohio and across the country are facing the same problem. In fact, Republic Services customers have been complaining about their trash not being picked up all over social media.

One person said they are on the fourth week of no pickup. Another said their trash was not picked up on the normal trash day. Even Olmsted Township posted a statement on Facebook about the problem, saying they will continue to monitor the situation and work with Republic Services.

21 News  reached out to Republic Services to see why there is a delay and what is being done to rectify the situation. James Richardson Jr, manager of external communications for Republic Services, sent 21 News the following statement: 

“Due to the Memorial Day holiday and unexpected fleet issues, several routes were adjusted, resulting in a small number of service delays in Vienna Township. We are engaging directly with residents to resolve these service delays as quickly as possible. We understand the impact these delays can have on our customers, and we apologize for the disruption.”

21 News asked residents if Republic Services had reached out and was told they were given notifications that their trash was going to be picked up multiple times, but nobody showed up.

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