Residents press Republic Services over missed trash and recycling pickups

Dan Gibbon, a manager with Republic Services, told the Mentor on the Lake City Council that the company experienced staffing shortages and vehicle problems that contributed to missed trash and recycling pickups and apologized to residents. He said the company has taken steps — additional hiring, route supervision and onboard cameras — and that reported issues are investigated and typically routed for resolution within 24 hours.

During public comment several residents described missed recycling pickups and said they had video evidence documenting crews leaving carts unemptied. One resident, identified in the record as Stokes, said, "I have video," describing an instance where a worker lifted a lid, closed it and then left without collecting the recycling. Another resident said service had been reliable historically and urged the city to consider contract performance when renewal time arrives.

Gibbon said Republic’s trucks now have interior and exterior cameras to help investigate complaints and encouraged residents to use the company's online "track my truck" feature or submit incidents directly to management so staff can follow up. He offered to provide contact information and suggested Republic could return for scheduled updates; council and residents discussed setting a 30–60 or 60–90 day follow-up for a status report.

Council members acknowledged mixed experiences: some residents praised drivers who have been reliable, while others described persistent problems. The administration encouraged residents to report issues promptly so the company can pull video and resolve specific incidents. No formal contract action was taken at this meeting, but residents said ongoing problems raise questions that could affect future contract evaluations.

The council and Republic agreed to track and report progress; Republic committed to follow-up communications and said it will make management available for periodic updates to the council.