New Brookfield Garbage Contractor Overwhelmed With Trash Backlog

BROOKFIELD, WI—The City of Brookfield's new garbage contractor, GFL — Green for Life — faced an insurmountable task of picking up weeks' worth of garbage left from the previous contractor.

Alderman Mike Hallquist said Waste Management, the previous contractor, had "utterly failed to fulfill their contractual obligations for the last week of 2021 across the city."

On Saturday, GFL were not able to complete garbage and recycling pickup despite working long hours, the city said.

The expected trash collections will be carried over to Monday, despite extra-long hours and extra crews and equipment, there is too much trash from Waste Management's misses, the city said.

The areas impacted were Kinsey's Garvendale, Tanglewood, Westmoor, Elm Ridge/Hackberry. Residents were asked to place their garbage back out on Monday if it has not been taken.

Resident Cam Smith expressed frustration over the garbage in the Tanglewood subdivision.

"With Waste Management not collecting last week and Green for Life not picking up this week I have not had a garbage pickup for 17 days which will likely be at least 23 days at best. I have taken my garbage from my garage to the curb and back six times so far. I am tired, my garage stinks, and I am being told that all this great service will save me about $12 in city taxes," Smith said in an email.

The city is asking residents to have patience with GFL as they work to clear up the backlog left by Waste Management.

"GFL filled both of their transfer stations, so even if they could collect this trash, they have no place to put it. Also, the county did not have their recycling facility open today, so GFL had to take recycling elsewhere too. DOT rules have also limited how long the guys can work - they are maxed out," Alderman Brad Blumer said.

Missed pickups can be reported to GFL at: 262-367-6040. Leave a message with your address.