Priority Waste is responsible for most of Metro Detroit’s trash pick up, covering 117 cities.
The company expanded in the area in 2019, promising lower bids and better service.
In 2024 Priority Waste acquired 75 municipal contracts from GFL Environmental.
After the switch residents began complaining about missed garbage collection, recycling pickups, delayed yard waste collection and long customer service wait times.
Residents in Ann Arbor and Waterford say they saw flies and maggots in their trash.
According to the company pickup delays came from a need in repairs for their trucks.
Now Westland is withholding $100k in payments, and St. Clair Shores is moving to a different company.
To combat issues Priority Waste brought in a new CEO, Aaron Johnson.
Johnson is said to taking responsibility, fix current issues and meet with Macomb County leaders soon.
As leadership has changed a company in Indiana says Priority owes them money for repairs.
According to the lawsuit the company did repairs between Sept. 2024 and Oct. 2025.
The suit alleges breach of contract, seeking money owed, attorney fees and interest.
Rick Stathakis, Shelby Township supervisor, Brad Kersten, Chesterfield Township supervisor, Brian Meissen, village president of New Haven and Corey Haines Mayor of Madison heights joined Local 4 Live to tell us about what they are doing for their residents.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.