Residents urge investigation after repeated trash pickups missed under Republic Services contract

Residents from multiple properties told the council they have endured repeated missed trash and recycling pickups for more than a year under the city’s contractor, Republic Services.

Neil O’Brien said his complex on Mansionet Court experienced seven missed scheduled service days in May alone and presented video showing drivers passing dumpsters without collecting them. “This is not a lapse in service. This is a systemic failure,” O’Brien said.

Property managers and residents said they have no alternative provider for service in their area and alleged the company continues to bill customers in full despite missed pickups. Patrick Farney described a similar pattern at a different managed property and urged the council to launch a city‑wide inquiry into Republic Services’ billing and contract performance.

Council members asked staff and the city manager about enforcement options under the franchise/contract. The city manager said Republic Services has been placed on a monitoring program in past instances and that the company typically responds by assigning new supervisory staff, but problems sometimes reoccur when personnel change. The manager said the city audits complaint logs provided by the contractor and encourages residents to submit evidence.

Requests from residents included: a city‑led review of Republic Services’ billing practices across Fresno service areas; an evaluation of whether repeated nonperformance constitutes a breach; and a public portal to collect similar complaints so the city can assess the scale of failures.

Next steps: Council members urged staff to pursue contract remedies and enforcement where deficiencies are documented and to report back on possible refund or penalty mechanisms. Residents said they will provide video and billing records to city staff.