A local trash hauler that has served Portage for 30 years will soon have to cease operations in the city after local officials granted an exclusive contract to an out-of-state corporation.
The city of Portage awarded a five-year, $29 million contract to Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas. The contract, which takes effect March 1, prevents residents from choosing which company takes their trash. Four companies — Waste Management, GFL, Best Way Disposal, and Republic — bid the contract.
“That means in March, they’re going to take our 71% [market share] and give it to Waste Management. And we won’t be able to haul for our customers anymore,” Jessica Routely, general counsel for Best Way Disposal, told Michigan Capitol Confidential in a phone interview…