There is a big change coming to Westland beginning Jan. 1, but officials are confident residents won't notice.
A new refuse contract was approved by members of the city council during their regular meeting last week, replacing the vendor that has served the city for more than 50 years. The new 10-year contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, Priority Waste based in Clinton Township at a cost of $38,449,174. Priority Waste will purchase the city-owned garbage trucks at a price of $1.6 million, the highest bid on the vehicles. That price will pay off the existing debt on the trucks, according to city officials.
Priority Waste will replace Midwest Sanitation which has served the city since 1968 under various corporate names. Midwest had another four years on a current contract with Westland, but will voluntarily allow that to lapse to allow for the new vendor. Paul Ruthenberg, president of Midwestern Sanitation, said the company thought it best to bow out gracefully of the contract to benefit the city. Ruthenberg will continue to manage the city waste hauling account.
“When you have a 52-year relationship, there's a loyalty to that community,” he said. “The city has supported the Ruthenberg family for many, many years. So, the loyalty aspect of it is very strong with my family. What ultimately happened is what's in the best interest for the City of Westland and its residents.”
“It looks like there's going to be a working relationship where Paul would still be able to manage the Westland account,” Wild said. “So, at the end of the day, Paul will be part of Priority and will still be managing the Westland account. That made everybody comfortable with the arrangement.”
Wild said that residents should not experience any change in service or trash pickup schedules.
“People will still use the same garbage cans that they have, the garbage will still go to the landfill in Van Buren Township, recycling will still get picked up on the same days and routes still aren't going to change. People shouldn't see any difference.”
