Waste Management Announces Changes To Improve Service In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI—Waste Management, Waukesha's garbage contractor, announced the addition of new garbage trucks and truck drivers on Wednesday. The company is working to address a shortage of drivers and fleet technicians to improve garbage and recycling collection in the city, according to a news release.

Patch reached out to City of Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly on Wednesday but hasn't received a response.

For the past few months residents have complained about missed/delayed pick-ups, long wait times when trying to reach Waste Management customer service, and other related issues.

To address the driver shortage, Waste Management:

• Brought in four drivers from states to temporarily supplement local crews.
• Driver recruitment through advertising, a $5,000 referral bonus, and a new apprentice program that helps new drivers acquire a commercial driver’s license, among other measures, the release said.
• The company has hired five new drivers locally.
• The company’s Waukesha team is now fully staffed with the seven drivers required to service the city each week. Most are permanently assigned to Waukesha.

The company also purchased three new trucks.

To free drivers and trucks for basic waste and recycling collection, a specialized hauler, Camo Crew, was hired to provide bulk collection of furniture and other large trash items that would not fit in a cart.

Residents need to schedule bulk collection in advance by calling 262-369-3080. They can discard up to 12 bulky items a year, setting out no more than three items per week and six items per month.

The company is working to improve customer service with the addition of more than 20 new agents. It recently deployed a “call-back” feature so that residents can opt to be called back during peak wait times, the release said.

Holiday Schedule

With Labor Day on Monday, September 6, Garbage and Recycling collection will be one day later next week.

• Monday: No Collections
• Tuesday: Regular Monday Collections
• Wednesday: Regular Tuesday Collections
• Sept. 9: Regular Wednesday Collections
• Sept. 10: Regular Thursday Collections
• Sept. 11: Regular Friday Collections