Resident complains of missed recycling; Republic Services cites staffing and reports 383,000 pickups with 95 misses

A Washington County resident told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 3 that Republic Services often fails to collect recycling on his road, and company managers told the board they are addressing staffing and equipment issues.

During public forum, Lloyd Jones Jr. (842 Gourd Neck Road, Roper) said recycling collection on his road is “very sporadic,” alleged drivers sometimes avoid his area and reported instances where drivers turned around rather than collect recycling. "Sometimes no recycling gets picked up," he said, and he urged better training and accountability.

Republic Services Municipal Services Manager Chris Wilson introduced General Manager Mark Chapman and local Operations Manager Pat Patrick. Chapman acknowledged staffing challenges since April 2022, said Republic has hired new staff and increased salaries and that the company is investing in people and equipment. He told the board: "From January – September we picked up 383,000 carts and only missed 95. Our goal is to have 0 missed!" He added that safety is the company’s "#1 priority" and said Republic completed a route audit and will share results later.

Commissioner Bill Sexton expressed satisfaction with Republic’s service relative to past providers, and Commissioner Ann Keyes urged patience as the company works to overcome challenges. Chair Tracey Johnson thanked the Republic representatives for attending the meeting.

The board did not take formal action on the complaint at the meeting; Republic representatives committed to continue investment in staffing and equipment, and to share the results of a route audit at a later date.