Officials sort out issues with Rumpke 

by Dan Holland 

Nov. 11 service committee meeting 

Representatives of Rumpke Waste & Recycling addressed members of city council during meetings in October and November in response to resident complaints concerning Friday trash pickups being missed in the city’s Ward 4. City Council President Robert Boldt, who represents that ward, has spearheaded discussions in recent months with councilmembers and Mayor Sam Alai in an effort to see residents receive consistent service from the Broadview Heights-based waste hauling company. 

“When they miss Ward 1 on a Monday, for instance, they go back on Tuesday and make it up, and the same for other wards. But my ward’s pickup is on Fridays,” Boldt said. “So, if they miss on a Friday, they don’t pick up at all that week.” 

The city entered into a five-year, $7.05 million waste hauling and recycling contract with Rumpke in April 2023 for residential solid waste collection, disposal and recycling services to provide a semi-automated collection program in the city. The agreement includes an option for two extension years. 

Director of Public Service David Schroedel addressed the matter during an Oct. 14 council work session, at which representatives of Rumpke were present. 

During the Nov. 11 service committee meeting, held just prior to a council work session, Mark O’Brien, regional vice president for Rumpke, told service committee members that, in addition to having made a supervisory change, the company would be adding a four-hour Saturday shift in case Friday pickups are missed. He also noted the company’s call center and toll-free customer service line. 

“A few weeks ago, we were told things would be straightened out, and that they would take care of things on Saturday if it was missed, and that didn’t happen,” Alai said. “Our residents are unhappy, and I appreciate the fact that they can call this number and get a hold of you, but they’re still calling us. 

Boldt said it’s too soon to know if the remedy will be effective, but said he will be be keeping a close eye on the situation “until we feel this situation is behind us.”