Summary
Missed trash, recycling and yard waste pickups have plagued the city for months. Mayor Coleman announced the city is withholding $100,000 from Priority Waste and warned of more consequences; Councilwoman Sampey is surveying residents to map missed pickups.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city is withholding $100,000 from a future payment to the contractor.
All residents whose trash has been missed, if accountability improves service.
Residents across the city have endured days-late or missed pickups, including Council President McDermott's own neighborhood.
Mentions & discussions (8)
City Council - Sep 8, 2026
Months of missed trash, recycling, and bulk pickups frustrated residents. Priority Waste's Paul Ruthenberg apologized, explained the ownership change and new CEO, and promised new trucks, staff, and a resident app showing pickup video — with stabilization achieved since July.
City Council - Aug 17, 2026
Council members said trash, recycling and special pickup service has fallen short for months, with 81% in a preliminary survey dissatisfied. A Priority Waste representative will appear at the September 8 meeting.
City Council - Jul 20, 2026
Trash service problems keep piling up. Councilwoman Sampey shared survey results showing 82% of 146 respondents were dissatisfied, and she's requesting a formal study session with Priority Waste. The administration withheld $100,000 from the hauler, which says it's hiring more drivers and adding trucks.
City Council - Jul 6, 2026
Council is withholding $100,000 from Priority Waste over months of missed trash and recycling pickups. Sampey is surveying residents and pushing for a public meeting with the company.
City Council (Work) - Jun 15, 2026
Missed trash, recycling and yard waste pickups have plagued the city for months. Mayor Coleman announced the city is withholding $100,000 from Priority Waste and warned of more consequences; Councilwoman Sampey is surveying residents to map missed pickups.
City of Westland withholds $100K from Priority Waste after weeks of missed yard trash pickups
City of Westland withholds $100K from Priority Waste after weeks of missed yard trash pickups ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4
City Council - Jun 1, 2026
Missed trash, compost and bulk pickups continue citywide, and residents are demanding answers. The mayor admitted this is the worst performance yet, said cancellation would be costly, and promised continued pressure and possible options review.
City Council - May 4, 2026
The mayor said the trash hauler has been chronically behind for weeks and the city is demanding better service if the contract continues.
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