| Beginning April 1st, 2023, garbage and refuse collection is handled by Waste Management. |
We are very excited to partner with Waste Management for our Township's refuse collection! We think that you will all benefit from their services, and we hope you are as thrilled with our new partner as we are!
While we know most folks prefer their old routine, there are a few changes occurring. We've detailed the changes below, along with the reason why these changes were necessary.
Coming Up!
If you haven't gotten one already, a new 96-gallon cart will soon be delivered to your home. This is to accommodate automated collection.
Benefits:
- Weather resistant - snow, rain, and wind is negated by the container and its lid
- Trash is less accessible to animals/rodents - the hinged lid seems to foil animals' attempts at getting into your trash
- Neighborhood aesthetics - carts are consistent and automated trash service gets trash into the truck every time
- Carts are easier to manage - residents don't have to lift them since they're wheeled, and they are very durable
- Carts are safer for waste collectors - they don't have to lift them which means there's less chance of injury
- One Cart provided per account / residence
- Cart is sufficient for 4-7 people
- Typically holds seven 13-gallon (kitchen-sized) trash bags
- There are options for additional carts
- Place all refuse inside of can (it's best if refuse is bagged)
- The cart's lid needs to be closed with nothing placed on top of it
- Place the cart 3 feet from the curb and 3 feet away from other objects (cars, trees, other cans, etc.)
- Have your cart out by 6 a.m. (or put it out the night before) as routes start early
The Whys...
Residents have had a lot of questions about the switch, and we completely understand! We're here to help, and we want to give you the answers you need, so we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions - added a few more for good measure - and answered them. If you have a question not on the list, please give us a call and we would be happy to get it answered for you!
Why did the Township change companies? Wasn't GFL working just fine?
While we loved working with GFL, our contract with them had ended, so we had to send out for bids. While GFL did put in an attractive proposal to continue service, the Board found that Waste Management's proposal matched the bid specification much more closely. They were the only bidder that offered a 3-year contract, which was specifically requested in the bid specifications. Waste Management also offered a more stable fuel surcharge package that would credit back to the Township if fuel prices fell below the contracted price level.
Why do we have to use those 96-gallon carts?
While in contract negotiations, it was made clear that automated collection was the only option available, no matter which company the Township chose. The biggest reason given by those companies? Liability. Their drivers' risk of injury is significantly reduced when they don't have to pick up and throw heavy items every day for eight hours. The second biggest reason? Less staff needed. Only one individual per route is needed instead of two.
Would GFL have let us continue with our current cans?
No. Even if we had contracted with GFL, residents would still have to transition to the 96-gallon carts.
Schedule of Pick-Ups
MAP of PICKUPS
Monday: Bass Lake Rd, Pine Mountain Rd, South Breitung, White Birch Village, US 2 to the Norway City Limits
Tuesday: North Breitung - M95 area, Sportsman's Club Rd, Merriman area, County Rd. 607, Bass Lake Rd, Bad Water Lake Rd, Twin Falls Rd, Moon Lake area
Wednesday: East Kingsford, Hydraulic Falls Rd
Thursday: Upper Pine Creek Rd, Traders Mine Rd, Millie Hill Estates, Quin-Lake Antoine Rd, all areas by Lake Antoine, Collins Rd, Becker Dr
Friday: Quinnesec
* A holiday during the week may put garbage/refuse pick-up behind by a day
Billing
Breitung Township provides weekly, curb-side garbage and refuse collection for all of its residents. Per Township policy, all habitable homes within the Township, regardless of occupancy, will be billed for refuse collection. Breitung Township bills the refuse collection fee twice a year, in January and July. The fee for refuse collection is currently $60.00 per billing cycle. The total cost for the year is $120.00*. You have the option of paying for the year or paying the two installments during each billing cycle.
* Fee Amount is set by the Board of Trustees
PLEASE NOTE: Breitung Township does not prorate, refund, or split refuse bills.
Refuse bills will only be addressed to the Homeowner or Landlord, as they are the responsible party for all outstanding balances. Renters will not be billed. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the Utility Clerk.
Payment Options
In-person. Our lobby is currently open for walk-in from 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday. We accept cash, checks, and debit/credit cards.
* Debit/Credit cards incur a convenience fee of 3%, $2 minimum.
24-hour drop box. Can’t make it in during normal business hours? We have a secure drop box located next to our front door and a secure drive-up drop box at the back of the building that you can drop your payment into anytime.
* When dropping off a bill payment, it MUST be received in our office by the due date in order to avoid the late penalty.
Online. BS&A, our billing software company, provides our residents with the ability to pay their tax and utility bills online. You can find that option by going to our website, www.breitungtwp.org, and clicking on the “Online Payments” link here and on the main page. Once on that page, please read the instructions and click on the link at the bottom of the page. You will have to create a login - if you haven’t already - and the website will walk you through the process from there.
Over the phone. If you want to pay with your debit or credit card, you can call the Utility Clerk or our Treasurer and we can take payments over the phone between the hours of 7:30am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
* Debit/Credit cards incur a convenience fee of 3%, $2 minimum.
Mail. You can mail your payment to:
Breitung Township
PO Box 160
Quinnesec, MI 49876
* When mailing a bill payment, it MUST be received in our office by the due date in order to avoid the late penalty.
* Breitung Township DOES NOT accept postmarks for any payments, whether utility or tax.
ACH withdrawal. We offer FREE automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account on the day your bill is due. If you’re interested in ACH withdrawal for your taxes, please contact the Treasurer. If you’re interested in ACH withdrawal for your utility bills, please contact the Utility Clerk.
Contact Information
| UTILITY CLERK Deanna Michaud Office:906-779-2052 Email: utilityclerk@breitungtwp.org |
WASTE MANAGEMENT 24 Hour Number: 888-960-0008 Local Number: 906-875-3781 Website: www.wm.com/us/local/mi/breitung-township/residential |