Troy’s Garbage Crisis: Commission & Meridian Waste Seek Solutions

Pike County Tackles Garbage Collection Crisis with Meridian Waste

Published 6:01 Pm Thursday, June 12, 2025

Pike County Commissioners are actively engaged in resolving persistent garbage collection issues with Meridian Waste, aiming to restore reliable service for residents.

History of the Issue

Chairman Chad Copeland stated that the county initially contracted with Arrow Disposal in April 2015. Meridian Waste acquired Arrow Disposal last year, inheriting the contract. Copeland noted that service disruptions began even before the acquisition was finalized and have continued since Meridian Waste assumed obligation for residential routes.

“Meridian promised they would straighten all of the issues with Arrow out,” Copeland said. “They’ll do good for a little while and then they don’t finish routes, skip houses or people go for two weeks with no pickup. There have been constant issues as they started.”

Resident Concerns Voiced

During Monday night’s meeting, Sesha Dunn, representing concerned neighbors, addressed the commissioners about the deteriorating condition of dirt roads and unreliable garbage pickup.Dunn emphasized the recurring nature of the garbage issue, with missed pickups and inconsistent schedules causing ongoing frustration.

“And last but, of course, most importantly, our garbage,” Dunn said. “I know that this has been an ongoing issue, and there again, you know, we need to know who we need to be contacting, something needs to be done, because it’s just, it’s never ending. I mean, it’s every week. They get later and later, or they don’t come at all, or whatever, you know, and we just, we need to know who we need to be contacting. If you want us to keep contacting you, we’re happy to do that. If there’s something else that we need to be doing,we just,we need help,and we would like to know what plans you all have to address these issues.”

Dunn pressed for clear dialog channels and a concrete plan to rectify the situation.

Meridian Waste’s Response

Copeland said the commission had been working with Meridian Waste to get the county’s garbage pick-up back on track and Meridian had two representatives at the meeting to answer questions. Cal Franklin, Director Of governmental Affairs for Meridian, along with Jeff Sexton, the new Pike County Supervisor, attended the meeting to address these concerns. Franklin acknowledged the existing problems and outlined corrective measures. Sexton has been tasked with ensuring timely route completion.

Key Initiatives

• Gps Tracking: Installation of new Ipads and route tracking gps software in all garbage trucks.
• Shortage Addressed: Resolving the shortage of garbage cans.
• Refunds: Issuing refunds to customers for missed weekly pickups.
• Billing Corrections: Rectifying instances of customers being billed for services not rendered.

Franklin assured residents of Meridian Waste’s commitment to improving service. “listen, I know we’ve had problems,” Franklin said. “We’re undergoing some changes here and making sure that we take care of it. And I’ve talked to some of you at times. And I’ve taken care of some of the issues. But I think bringing Jeff on board, he’s energetic, he’s young, he can get out there.”

“he’ll ride a truck, he’ll drive a truck if he needs to.But with the new iPad system, we can tell where we’ve been, and we can give you a report every month and tell you what’s been missed, how it’s all going. Again, I know we’ve had problems, but from now on, you’ve got our number.”

immediate Actions And Future Plans

Meridian Waste is focusing on immediate improvements while implementing long-term solutions to ensure consistent and reliable garbage collection services throughout Pike County.

Understanding Waste Management Challenges

Effective waste management is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability. Inconsistent garbage collection can lead to:

• health Hazards: accumulation of waste attracts pests and spreads diseases.(National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
• Environmental Pollution: Improper disposal contaminates soil and water resources.
• Decreased Property Values: Negatively impacts neighborhood aesthetics and property values.

Did You Know? According to a 2024 Epa Report, Americans generate over 290 million tons of waste annually, highlighting the scale of the waste management challenge.

Comparative Analysis of Waste Management Solutions

Solution	Pros	Cons
Enhanced Gps Tracking	Improved route efficiency, real-time monitoring	Initial investment costs, potential technical issues
Increased Can Supply	Reduces overflow, minimizes roadside litter	Storage space required by residents, cost of additional cans
Proactive Refunds	Builds customer trust, incentivizes better service	Requires efficient tracking system, potential for abuse

Pro tip: Residents can reduce waste by composting food scraps and yard waste, substantially decreasing the volume of material requiring collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pike County Garbage Collection

• Why are there garbage collection issues in Pike County?

Pike County has experienced inconsistent garbage collection due to route management and equipment shortages following Meridian Waste’s acquisition of Arrow Disposal.

• What is Meridian Waste doing to improve garbage pickup services?

Meridian Waste is implementing new gps tracking systems in their trucks, addressing garbage can shortages, and offering refunds for missed pickups to improve service reliability.

• Who should I contact if my garbage is not picked up in Pike County?

Contact the Pike County Commissioners or Meridian Waste directly. The county is working closely with Meridian Waste to resolve individual issues as they arise.

• Will I get a refund if Meridian Waste misses my garbage pickup?

Yes, Meridian Waste has stated that customers will receive refunds for weeks when garbage collection is missed. Contact them to ensure you receive your refund promptly.

• When did Meridian Waste take over garbage services in pike County?

Meridian Waste took over garbage collection services in Pike County after purchasing Arrow Disposal last year.

What are your thoughts on the proposed solutions? Have you experienced similar garbage collection issues in your community? Share your experiences and opinions below.

What specific recycling programs are currently in place in Troy,and how accomplished have they been in reducing the overall waste stream?

Troy’s Garbage Crisis: Commission & Meridian Waste Tackle Waste Management Challenges

The city of Troy,like many municipalities,is grappling with increasing pressures on its waste management infrastructure. This article dives deep into the specifics of Troy’s garbage crisis, examining the roles of the troy city Commission, Meridian Waste, and the various strategies being explored to address this critical issue. We’ll explore waste disposal challenges, recycling programs, and future waste management solutions. Understanding the complexities surrounding garbage collection services is vital for residents and stakeholders alike. We will dive deeper into the waste buildup problems and how they affect the local environmental issues.

Understanding the Current landscape: The troy Garbage Situation

The situation surrounding garbage collection in Troy has become a pressing concern for residents. Challenges include inconsistent collection schedules, overflowing bins, and the rising costs associated with waste disposal. This has prompted the Troy City Commission to take decisive action.

Key Issues Contributing to the Crisis

• Increased Waste Generation: Population growth in Troy has led to a corresponding increase in household waste,outpacing existing infrastructure. Many residents in Troy are experiencing a waste overload issue.
• Operational Disruptions: Labour shortages and equipment malfunctions have impacted the efficiency of garbage pickup services.
• Rising Disposal Costs: Landfill fees and transportation costs have increased considerably, placing a strain on the city’s budget.This impacts the garbage bill for Troy residents.

Meridian Waste’s Role and Contractual Obligations

Meridian Waste is a key player in Troy’s waste management system. As the contracted provider for residential garbage collection, their performance directly affects the quality of services provided to residents. Their responsibilities include scheduled trash pickup, managing recycling programs, and ensuring proper waste disposal. Understanding their garbage collection contract and its terms is crucial to evaluating service delivery.

Analyzing Meridian Waste’s Performance

The troy City Commission closely monitors meridian Waste’s performance,assessing factors such as:

• Adherence to collection schedules
• Responsiveness to customer complaints
• Compliance with environmental regulations
• Efficiency based on the contract

Solutions Proposed by the Troy City Commission

The Troy City Commission,in partnership with Meridian Waste,is actively seeking solutions to address the current waste management crisis in Troy. These efforts involve a multi-pronged approach encompassing short-term fixes and long-term strategic planning.

Initiatives and Proposed Actions

1. Enhanced Recycling Programs: Expanding recycling collection to include specific items (e.g., plastics, glass), education to improve the recycling rate. This may increase the need for more recycling bins.
2. Waste Reduction Strategies: Promoting waste reduction through public awareness campaigns, encouraging composting, and supporting local businesses.
3. Contractual Negotiations: Renegotiating the contract with Meridian waste to address service gaps and explore alternative waste disposal options.
4. Community Engagement: Hosting public forums and surveys to gather feedback from residents on garbage pickup issues and identify areas for improvement.

The Impact on Troy Residents and Local Environmental Factors

The garbage crisis has a direct impact on Troy residents, affecting their daily lives and the overall quality of the habitat. Negative consequences include reduced property value, environmental pollution, the impact on air quality, and increased risk of disease-carrying vectors like rodents. Moreover, the problem does not only affect the town’s residents, but also the local environment, the overall well-being of troy as a whole. These are a few of the many reasons why there is a strong demand for a solution.

Real-World Examples of the Impact

Due to current conditions, some Troy residents are facing increasing garbage overfill problems with overflowing waste bins. These are some of the reasons why the City Commission is putting increased pressure on Meridian Waste.

Residents are very aware of the recent, constant problems that have arisen regarding their garbage collection pick up. They are watching for the upcoming changes and looking forward to the future.

Looking Ahead: Future Waste Management Strategies

The future of waste management in Troy requires a proactive and lasting approach. This includes exploring innovative technologies, promoting zero waste initiatives, and fostering a collaborative partnership between the city, Meridian Waste, and the community. The best waste disposal method is still highly in debate.

Potential Future Strategies

• Implementation of Composting Programs: Reduce landfill waste and create valuable resources.
• Investing in Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Convert waste into a renewable energy source.
• Promoting Circular Economy Principles: Encourage resource reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.

Addressing Troy’s garbage crisis is a complex undertaking that will require sustained effort and collaboration. By working together, the city, Meridian Waste, and its residents can develop a sustainable and effective waste management system that benefits all.The goal is to establish sustainable waste management practices for the future.