CALUMET CO, WI. (WTAQ-WLUK) – Several towns in Calumet County say their garbage is not being picked up for days, sometimes weeks. Waste Management, the service provider, says it’s having a tough time finding drivers.
Trash cans lining the streets for days– this has become a pretty common site in parts of Calumet County.
Town of Brillion resident John Oney tells FOX 11 trash pick-up is happening days later than scheduled, and he’s getting getting frustrated.
“By the time you get your trash emptied you already have two or three garbage bags in the garage waiting to get put in there and then it’s already full again so you gotta wait another two weeks.”
Normally trash pickup in the subdivision Oney lives in, happens on Monday. But on Thursday, many residents have their cans out still because they just don’t know when pickup is going to happen.
“It’s just kind of been a nightmare with everybody on the street.”
The problem runs deep in the Town of New Holstein too. Treasurer Mary Jo Muellenbach tells FOX 11 calls are constant with residents complaining.
“Between the two days, I have 50 some calls.”
Mullenbach says this has been an issue for several months.
“I think the town of New Holstein with my board’s approval, we’ll probably ask to be released from our contracts and look to get our service from somebody else.”
The Town of Brillion is also looking for an early out of its contract with Waste Management. Their contract is up in 2024.
“It’s going to be a simple letter by an attorney, asking to be released from our contract,” said Karen Janette, clerk for the Town of Brillion.
“If they let us be released from our garbage contract, then we’ll work to get released from the recycling contract next.”
A Waste Management representative attended the Eastshore Recycling Commission’s meeting, but declined an interview. During the meeting, the representative said the company is working on better communication with the municipalities. As well as hiring more drivers.
“I think Waste Management has to come forward and say we can’t service you all, we don’t have the employees,” said Muellenbach. “Therefore we’re going to cut back, lose some of you, hand you off to somebody else.”
Waste Management’s representative said the company is offering several incentives for new employees. From signing bonuses, to even helping employees pay for their family’s college tuition.
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