Southeast Minnesota Reacts to Local Garbage Company Change

UPDATE: Waste Management publicly announces the purchase of Hometown Haulers. Hometown Haulers told KTTC that WM has committed to honor all existing base rates for at least 12 months.

Here we go again! "Rumors" are swirling online that Waste Management has bought out another local garbage company.

I have always supported the small, locally owned garbage companies when I can. For the past few years, I've been a local garbage company hopper... and not because I want to be. By the time I finally get a new local company, the big dog comes in and buys them out. I mean, I know it's not that quick, but it certainly feels that way at times.

Recently, a post was shared to the Spotted in Rochester Facebook page that has people up in arms. The rumor - Hometown Haulers is being bought out by Waste Management.

I'm currently a Hometown Haulers client. I love them! Great pricing, stellar customer service. I've also been a Waste Management client and I cannot say the same for them. Sadly, when they bought out Garbage Man, I gave them a go and immediately regretted my decision.

Also See: 10 Longtime Closed Rochester Businesses That We Still Miss.

I hate to bash this big company, but seriously... My bill started out awesome. You know, that "you just joined, here's our special pricing" kind of bill. It was great. Fast forward a few months, that bill started creeping up every time. Once it was about double what Garbage Man charged, I had enough. I called and cancelled or so I thought. If only it just took one phone call to cancel. I had to call back numerous times to "officially cancel" my services and get a refund. It was excruciating.

I will say that I have some friends that have used Waste Management and have had no problems - lucky them. Judging by the comments on Facebook, I'm not alone in my frustrations with the company. Maybe I should have changed the title of this article to "My Open Letter to Waste Management."

Now, I keep saying rumor when mentioning the buyout of Hometown Haulers. Hometown Haulers has NOT addressed these rumors. People are calling them out on their Facebook page, which says "a Waste Management Company" by the way, and HH is not responding. I can also say first hand that we did not receive a letter or any written notification that the buyout is happening.

A fellow HH customer commented on one of their posts, "I just confirmed with Hannah in the office. HH is being acquired by WM, it will be effective May 1st. Just a reminder to everyone; the employees are only doing their job, please treat them with kindness and the exceptional service they’ve given us the last few years. Hannah and her team are amazing! Sending love to them all as this is super difficult for the staff. - Danielle.

A solid reminder as I'm sure they're fielding a ton of nasty calls. Be nice to the employees! This isn't on them!

Other local companies you can support that have been recommended on Facebook: LRS, Harters, and Skjevland.

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