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Trash Questions Q & A |
Question/Comment |
Answer/Reply |
#1 - I'm getting a better deal with Waste Management
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Hello
I am not sure where the rates came from but I checked with Waste Management and I am paying $10 per month with better load capabilities than Republic. Maybe I am getting a discount as a long time customer but I would suggest checking before switching. Glen See #4 below for a similar question. |
Glen,
You are absolutely right. Check before you do anything. If WM is lowest, keep them. There have been no rash of service complaints. That said, I have personnally been on the hill for 40 years and with EDS since the beginning. My rates went up 14% to something substantially more than Republic. WM told me that the exclusive had expired. (There never was an exclusive.) The fellow on Nextdoor said his rates went to 76$ a quarter. I don't know if you saw that. Rates are all over the place. But if I were you, $10 per month is exceptional. I do know of one other person with that rate. Good for you! I assume you get the senior rate, pay annually, and do not recycle. I hope you paid recently for a year. The reported increases are all in 2014. BTW, the capacity in the RFP response for WM was "Toter + 10 bags" for trash. The Republic is "1 Cart prov. + 7 bags" for each trash and recycle. Thanks for your reply. Excellent observation. |
#2 - WM rates, and a question about containers
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Thank you so much for doing all the work necessary to select Republic as our Green Mountain Estates preferred provider for trash disposal.
I read the comparison sheet done after the RFPs were received. What I do not understand is that Waste Management quotes its trash collection at $25.35/month - billed on a quarterly basis. I just paid my quarterly bill and it was $39.66 for the quarter making it $13.22/month. Secondly, and PLEASE don't take this as whining, I cannot physically manage the requirement of a 96 gallon container. I carry sealed and not overloaded individual trash bags to the curb for Waste Management. If the new carrier requires we use that container, then I would have to opt out anyway. I so appreciate what you do for all of us. I look forward to hearing back from you when possible. Thank you. Donna |
Donna, thanks for the questions.
First, and very importantly, your Waste Management bill no doubt goes back to the EDS days. Waste Management agreed to use EDS pricing for a year after their purchase. That year is now up. Rates carried forward from EDS varied widely on the hill. EDS was true to their word. Now in 2014 they are making adjustments. My increase was effective for a quarter starting in February, 2014. In any event, do not do anything rash. You have a great rate. Keep it. We do know that if you had just moved to the neighborhood, this would not be your rate. So hold tight. As for your second question, I had a long chat with Republic on this matter. Their business model is based on trucks that are equipped to use the large containers. They suggest that on wheels, you might find them easier than you think. And they even have special add-on's to carry the container to the top of the drive for you. But more importantly, you said something very interesting. You use "bags". Republic would be pleased to discuss your needs, and are inclined to understand. And bags are part of the equation, "1 container plus 7 bags". So if and when the rates dictate a change, talk to Republic. In fact talk to them all if you like. In the spirit of full disclosure, there is a person on our team who totally agrees with our selection for the general use by our neighbors. But then says, "I'm with Pro and have no intention of changing!" Thanks Donna. |
#3 - Container charge and returning WM containers
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Thank you for all your hard work with putting together this RFP and choosing one preferred provider.
Questions: 1 From the way I read this, we will be charged an initial $18.50 per 96 gallon container which must be used. If we want recycling, then this charge is doubled for a second 96 gallon container. Please confirm these charges. 2 We currently have WM and have one of their 96 gallon containers for recycle. Does this container need to be returned to WM and is there a return fee? 3 If it doesn't need to be returned, then I assume it will suffice for Republic needs. Please confirm this. Thank you Mary |
(Excellent question. I'm going to start a new page on the web site for the questions I've recieved.)
To your question, the $18.50 is for delivery per household, not per container. Both containers will be delivered for a single $18.50. My experience with WM and confirmed by another is that they will tell you to put the container out for pickup in the next 7 to 10 days. The container is their property. I do not beleive there is a return charge. |
#4 - Anticipated increase by Waste Management
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Waste Management is cheaper. $11.13 a month and recycling is free. Republic is not a money saving choice.
I also asked WM if they were anticipating any rate increases in the near future. Unfortunately they did not have that information. Jeanne |
Jeanne,
I now know of three in a similar situation. Question #1 above started the discussion here. Facts are facts. $11.13 is less than both $13 and $14.50. There are many experiences that are different. Many new 2014 rates are all over the board. And when I personally called, WM was very well aware of the 2014 increase, particularly the fuel charges. But, if I were you, I'd be happy with my rate until and unless it changes. On a personal note, I'm very happy that neighbors like you have joined the conversation. Thanks! |
#5 - Details research on fees
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(Paraphrased) I went to the Republic Services web site and studied it some. It appears the standard rate for basic service is $14.00. Are we only getting a $1 break?
And I also see all of those troublesome extra fees for fuel, environment, etc. What about those? And there is a $3.25 administrative charge for statements. Is that monthly? Thanks for the work. Todd |
Thanks Todd. Well thought out and researched. I have reconfirmed the bid of Republic Services. Their bid reflects a desire to provide our “environmental services” and the fees are $13.00 per month for basic service; $14.50 per month for basic and recycle. There is a single $18.50 startup fee to deliver the required containers, 1 or 2. There are no other charges. Extra fees have been waved. Administrative charges have been waved. This rate is guaranteed for 2 years with a 5% cap on annual increases thereafter. |
#6 Note for current Allied/Republic users.Our trash service billing is with Allied Waste - AKA - Republic Disposal (one in the same, I presume, as the phone numbers are the same) . Our cost for this upcoming quarter (Feb.-Apr.) is $88.97..WOW! This bill reflects: Residential Service - $64.58; Administrative Fee - $3.25; and a Total Fuel/Environmental Recovery Fee of $21.14. TOO EXPENSIVE!
The new rate with Republic of $14.50/mo will be a savings for us of almost $7/mo., plus recycling (which we did not have in the past). When I called Republic they switched me from Allied to their plan. I did have to pay for 4 months and the delivery ($18.50). My initial charge was $76.50. After this my bill be quarterly. I am in question about the quarterly Fuel/Environmental charge and if this will be an addition charge, also an Administrative Fee? I didn't ask. Has anyone asked about these two charges? Mary Ann |
Mary Ann
Thank you very much for your note. The current experience is really helpful to our neighbors. As to your question about fees, see the answer to #5 above. Short answer - Republic does have those fees, but have waived all fees in their guarantee. And thanks for sharing your experience in calling Republic. Your true story will no doubt be helpful. |