BREAKING NEWS:  November 16, 2009

After careful and thoughtful deliberations, the Township Board has approved moving forward with a single waste and recycling hauler for the township.  The single waste and recycling hauler program will commence on April 1, 2010.  Richfield Equities, LLC, our current preferred waste hauler, was selected to be the single hauler. 

The reasons for moving to a single hauler system are to address the existing deficiencies within the waste and recycling system.  The deficiencies are:

1. A high volume of heavy truck traffic caused by multiple service providers working within the same neighborhoods which results in excessive wear impacts to local township roads.
2. Multiple haulers results in impacts to neighborhood quality as trash is set out for collection several days a week. 
3. Low recycling participation rates and set out volumes and limited access to an affinity based recycling program.
4. Inequitable cost structure as not all residents and haulers are paying for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program and other system management and customer service costs.
5. Lack of reliable and accurate waste generation and recovery data.

Starting on April 1, 2010, all residential properties with curbside waste and recycling service will be required to switch to Richfield Equities, LLC for service.  This includes residential properties within attached and detached condominium associations so long as they place their garbage at the curb for collection.  The Township will not assume any billing responsibilities within this new single hauler system.  Residents will be billed by and directly pay Richfield Equities, LLC for service. 

Under the new single waste and recycling hauler system, residents will receive garbage, recycling, bulk item (i.e. furniture and appliances) and yard waste collection and disposal.  All residents will have access to the “Rewards for Recycling Program” which provides residents coupons and gift cards to local stores and shops for recycling.  Over the last year, this program has increased participation by 70% and increased volumes by 250%.  Lastly, all residents will be able to disposal of household chemicals and toxic materials at the two Household Hazardous Waste Events.

Approximately 65% of residential properties within the Township are currently served by Richfield Equities, LLC; therefore, these properties will continue as usual with Richfield Equities, LLC.  They will see a decrease in price starting 4/1/2010.

The remaining 35% of residential properties will need to switch to Richfield Equities, LLC by 4/1/2010.  Residents will be automatically switched to Richfield Equities, LLC and will receive an invoice for service beginning 4/1/2010.  However, residents may switch at any time to Richfield Equities, LLC but they will have to contact Richfield Equities, LLC to sign up for service and contact their current hauler to cancel and request a refund.  Residents do not have to switch until 4/1/2010.   Haulers other than Richfield Equities, LLC will be required to provide a pro-rated refund to homeowners that may have already paid for services beyond the 4/1/2010 deadline.

The Township will be taking additional steps to ensure refunds are provided. The Township will be collecting a performance guarantee from haulers operating within the township from 1/1/2010 to 4/1/2010.  These funds will not be returned to the haulers until the residents have switched and received their pro-rated refund (if applicable.)

The Development Services Department will be handling all inquires regarding the change and can be reached by calling 248-451-4800.  Development Services will provide more information to residents as the switch deadline approaches. 

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