Waste Management acquires Star City
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 10, 2002
Waste disposal in Austin is in the process of changing.
On April 1, Waste Management took over Star City Sanitation and in a few weeks, the transition to Waste Management's services will be complete.
In a letter to their customers, Andy Schweibs, President of Star City Sanitation, explained, "Star City Sanitation had reached a crossroads that would require significant capital investment to prosper and grow the business.
In light of ever increasing governmental regulation and the highly competitive nature of the hauling business, we have made the decision to transfer our assets to Waste Management of Minnesota, Inc."
Waste Management district manager Dan Goodsell says former Star City customers will receive a packet describing their new service options. Goodsell says service changes also will include new carts which "will work with our equipment and give them a more uniform look," and possibly a change in the day on which their garbage is collected.
"The biggest impact will be the day change. Right now, we're crisscrossing the city and crossing routes and it's very inefficient," Goodsell says. "We'll be changing days to fit with existing routes."
Prices, however, shouldn't change. "We want to keep prices as low as possible … the Austin market is priced very competitively and our company has every intention of keeping it that way," he says. "It's a competitive business so the consumers get a good deal."
"It's a great opportunity for us. Many customers are former customers of ours," he says. "We want the opportunity to reestablish a relationship and keep them as long-term customers. It's a great opportunity for us and I'm excited about that."
"I really believe it's going to be a good deal for everyone. There will be fewer trucks and all the trash will be thrown into the transfer station, which means more money for the city," he says.
Customers who have questions are encouraged to call Waste Management at 433-5290.
Call Amanda L. Rohde at 434-2214 or e-mail her at amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com