Republic Services disappointed by county accusation

Republic Services has proudly served Lake County for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on being good neighbors in the communities we serve, and we appreciate our long partnership with Lake County and its commissioners.

We were disappointed by the recent letter from Lake County’s Solid Waste director, accusing Republic Services of “discrepancies” in our billing and hauling practices. We would like to set the record straight.

Over the last 25 years, Republic Services has made every effort to keep rates low for customers. We utilize Lake County’s transfer station for disposal, and disposal fees have long been included in the taxes paid by county residents.

Recently, the Lake County Solid Waste Department decided to implement new disposal, or “tipping,” fees at its transfer station for Republic Services. These new tipping fees are in addition to the disposal fees the county assesses via customers’ tax bills.

We have been transparent with the county and with customers. Republic Services notified the department and the county that the new tipping fees would be passed on to customers. This fee is marked as such on customers’ bills.

As a result of the county’s fee, the typical residential customers’ monthly bills have increased by less than $5. Again, Republic Services has made no changes to customers’ rates – the added fees are solely in place because of the Lake County Solid Waste District’s decision to implement new disposal fees at its transfer station.

Republic Services puts our values in action every day. We are committed to serving our customers, delivering results in the right way, and respecting the dignity and unique potential of every person. We were recently named one of Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year and are ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.

We remain committed to our customers and continue to engage in discussions with the Lake County Commission and Solid Waste Department to bring transparency to the matter.

Wesley Davis

Republic Services General Manager