CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — A social media post and letter to the Public Service Commission following a gap in service now has the attention of a major waste hauler.
Delegate David McCormick, R-Monongalia, said hundreds of Republic Service customers in the Cheat Lake area went for about 16 days with no trash pickup. Communication from the company about alternate pickup dates was in some cases nonexistent and unclear in others.
McCormick then wrote the letter and posted a short video on social media about his experience and asking for input.
Those complaints mirrored the experience from the residents of the city of Morgantown and other Republic customers in the area over the last several years.
“I put this right up there with snow removal,” McCormick said. “People just want normal stuff done to make their lives easier whether it’s their roads fixed, or snow off of them, or the trash picked up.”
Twenty-four hours later, McCormick was in contact with a senior vice president of the company who explained they were meeting with the president of the organization that night. Republic Services officials asked for 30 days to correct the problem and began to act quickly, according to McCormick.
“They brought in and are bringing in people from their company from the Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia areas to drive the trucks,” McCormick said.
Following the video, McCormick said he heard from elected officials from Logan and Beckley who had similar complaints while reports from the South Charleston area reported no problems. During this 30-day period Republic Services is expected to add more staff in order to catch up is some areas and improve service overall.
“It’s manpower mainly,” McCormick said. “They can’t people to work and that’s not an exclusive issue; it’s a shame but it doesn’t make it right.”
Some of the issues have revolved around equipment and availability of an alternate vehicle. Input from customers would suggest the Republic Services policy to keep an alternate vehicle available in case of a breakdown has not been effective.
“They have some vehicle issues, breakdowns and they are working to get that rectified,” McCormick said.
McCormick said the PSC and many customers are keeping an eye on service for the next 30 days. If there is no improvement, McCormick said he will elevate his “letter” to a complaint with the PSC.
“If things do not markedly improve, I will file a formal complaint with the PSC,” McCormick said. “A letter is not a formal complaint; it’s more just like strike one.”