Priority Waste manager apologizes to Richmond council as residents press for improved trash service

Drew DiGiovanni, municipal account manager for Priority Waste, told the Richmond City Council he was "committed to correcting" service disruptions and apologized for delays that left some residents' garbage uncollected for days. DiGiovanni said Priority Waste has been working with management to identify root causes and plans to strengthen maintenance staff, invest in equipment and improve operations and communication with residents.

Council members and the mayor said they share residents' frustration. One council member said residents had left trash at the curb for two days and emphasized the importance of timely updates. Council members thanked DiGiovanni for being reachable by phone and text outside normal hours and for taking residents' concerns seriously.

City Manager said the council and staff will continue monitoring the contractor and that prior provider changes affected expectations for what residents could place at the curb. DiGiovanni said his logistics background helped him explain operational constraints and that his team aims to restore consistent weekly pickup.

The public-comment exchange ended with the council expressing support for continued engagement from Priority Waste and the city manager confirming ongoing follow-up; no formal enforcement action or new contract terms were announced at the meeting.