WESTLAND, Mich. – The city of Westland is taking financial action against its waste collection provider following weeks of resident complaints about missed yard waste pickups and ongoing service delays.
Mayor Kevin Coleman announced on Facebook on Monday (June 8) that the city is withholding $100,000 from Priority Waste and pursuing additional contractual penalties, citing service levels that have fallen below the requirements set forth in the city’s waste collection agreement.
“Mayor Coleman remains committed to ensuring Westland residents receive the reliable service promised under the city’s contract,” city officials said in a statement.
The move follows weeks of complaints from residents who reported yard waste sitting at the curb for days, and in some cases, for weeks beyond scheduled pickup dates.
City documenting missed collections
The city has been reviewing service data and documenting missed collections as it seeks to hold the contractor accountable.
Officials said monitoring efforts will continue while Priority Waste works to resolve outstanding collection issues.
Residents experiencing missed pickups are encouraged to report them by contacting Westland City Hall at (734) 713-3888 or by emailing mayor@cityofwestland.com.
Regional pattern of disruptions
The problems in Westland are part of a broader pattern of service disruptions tied to Priority Waste across Metro Detroit.
Communities including Grosse Pointe Park, Macomb Township, Wayne, Dearborn Heights, Madison Heights, Allen Park, and Royal Oak have recently issued public notices acknowledging delays and informing residents that local officials are working with the company to restore normal service.
As temperatures rise, residents across the region have reported growing concerns about trash and yard waste remaining curbside for extended periods.
Complaints have come from residential subdivisions, condominium communities, and mobile home parks.
Priority Waste responds
Last week, Priority Waste issued a public apology, acknowledging it has not met the level of service customers expect and deserve."
“We are acutely aware of the frustration that service delays have caused for residents, communities, and customers,” the company said in part. “Missed collections and delayed service are disruptive, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
The company said it is taking steps to improve operations, including purchasing 198 rental trucks, adding 91 automated side-load collection vehicles, hiring and training 28 additional drivers and crew members, and improving its customer service call center.
Priority Waste said it has adopted an “all-hands-on-deck” approach involving leadership, operations, maintenance, and customer care teams to address the backlog and restore service reliability.
The company also said new collection vehicles are arriving daily as part of broader fleet stabilization efforts.
Despite those measures, local officials across several Metro Detroit communities continue urging residents to report missed pickups while crews work to catch up on delayed routes.
Westland officials said the city will continue to document service issues and evaluate additional enforcement actions if collection problems persist.
“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and partnership from the communities we serve and continue making the operational improvements necessary to deliver the level of service residents expect and deserve,” the statement said.
→ Trash pickup delays continue across Metro Detroit as Priority Waste issues an apology