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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 6:31 pm: | 
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Friends, Neighbors, Fellow Taxpayers, Mr. Rosner;
I respectfully request feedback on the following, sent via postal mail on July 12th. Apologies in advance for the long-winded post:
July 11, 2003
Mr. William R. Calabrese
Village President
Township of South Orange Village
Village Hall
101 South Orange Avenue
South Orange, New Jersey 07079
Dear Mr. Calabrese,
Attached you will find my recent letter to South Orange Disposal, expressing serious concern with their practice of service suspension absent any notification to customers. As outlined in the attached, South Orange Disposal is currently experiencing billing delivery issues and although they acknowledge that the problem may lie with the Post Office, a business decision has been made to notify South Orange residents of delinquent account status exclusively via service suspension.
My strong preference for resolving this issue would be to take my business elsewhere. However, as South Orange Village mandates that all residents do business with this firm, and given the potential health hazard which can be expected to arise, I feel that this is a matter of interest to all residents and therefore of interest to the South Orange Village administration.
Mr. Calabrese, I would appreciate your advising me at your earliest convenience of the Village Administration’s action to address this issue. I look forward to your reply.
Best regards,
(name withheld for public posting. privateline me, if you'd like.)
Cc: John O. Gross, Administrator, Township of South Orange Village
Patrick Joyce, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Mario Luciani, Director Public Works, Township of South Orange Village
Allan J. Rosner, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Mark Rosner, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Stephen Steglitz, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Arthur Taylor, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Editor, The South Orange News-Record
July 11, 2003
South Orange Disposal
185 Church Street
South Orange, New Jersey
07079
Attn: (name withheld)
Dear (name withheld),
Enclosed you will find my personal check in the amount of $169.57. As per our telephone conversation this morning, I am forwarding this payment for residential trash collection services for the months of January through June, 2003 at the above address.
(name withheld), I am extremely disappointed that South Orange Disposal saw fit to arbitrarily suspend services to my residence with no notification whatsoever and then compounded the problem by refusing to return two detailed voice messages left at your business number when I discovered that no collection had been made at my address in over a week.
As I advised you this morning, and as your records will indicate, I have promptly and cheerfully paid every bill that your firm has sent me in the time that I have resided in your service area. For the months in question, I received no bill. Your responses to this assertion, “Oh, you’re not the only one who hasn’t gotten your bill.” and, “We’re even talking to the Post Office about this.” indicate that South Orange Disposal is aware of issues with inconsistent billing. Your organization nonetheless has so little interest in the satisfaction of its customer base that no contact is made in the event of a missed payment date – even though you profess awareness of billing delivery issues.
I find this business practice entirely unacceptable, but understand that South Orange Disposal feels no need to concern itself with the satisfaction of its customers in the current monopoly environment.
However, residential waste, left routinely uncollected until such time as residents happen to discover your firm’s suspension of service decision presents a potentially significant health hazard in light of your indication that many Village residents have not received your bills and I believe the South Orange Village administration may find this of concern as well.
Sincerely,
(name withheld)
Cc: William R. Calabrese, Village President, Township of South Orange Village
John O. Gross, Administrator,Township of South Orange Village
Patrick Joyce, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Mario Luciani, Director Public Works, Township of South Orange Village
Allan J. Rosner, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Mark Rosner, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Stephen Steglitz, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Arthur Taylor, Trustee, Township of South Orange Village
Editor, The South Orange News-Record
Mr. Rosner, I realize that this was probably just delivered yesterday and you have not yet had time to respond through 'regular' channels, however I returned home from the office this evening to discover that I have once again been suspended, - my regular pick-up day is today and no pick-up was made although South Orange Disposal did collect from my residence on Friday after my phone conversation with them.
I’ll admit to leaving a rather scathing voice mail message on their machine tonight, but this nonsense has got to stop. What are SO Disposal’s obligations under their exclusive arrangement with the Village?
Thanks in advance,
Mergele
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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Edwin R. Matthews
Citizen
Username: Edwinrmatthews
Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 9:40 pm: |
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I saw your post. I believe the Board of Public Utilities which regulates disposal service requires that notice be given before a cut off is permitted. I would suggest you contact them. They are in the telephone book. |
bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 344
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 10:48 pm: |
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Yeah, why bother asking for help from the town you pay taxes to which also mandates the monopoly use of one waste company?
Silly!  |
Edwin R. Matthews
Citizen
Username: Edwinrmatthews
Post Number: 55
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 12:08 am: |
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Bets For your information South Orange has little ability to regulate the waste company and does not grant it a monoply. There are some commercial establishments which use other waste haulers. Residents are free to contract with others if they want to and can get others to pick up their garbage.
Nobody suggested she should not ask South Orange for help, I simply suggested she contact that agency of government our taxes pay to regulate -the garbage collector. The agency I believe has rules in place to prohibit the type of conduct the resident complains of. Is it really silly to suggest that? |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 9:09 am: |
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Mr. Matthews,
I will contact the Board as you suggested - thank you. Based on your comments, it appears that I was misinformed when I moved to South Orange; at that time I was told that all residents were required to use SO Disposal.
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 228
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 9:54 am: |
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Does anyone know if other carting companies actually WILL come into South Orange? Not just whether we can approach them, but often there are convenience monopolies whereby companies don't invade each other's turf to prevent competitive wars.
I believe Waste Management handles Maplewood's garbage pickup. Perhaps we could approach them about offering their services in South Orange as well? Even if it's not WM, perhaps we could find out who handles Maplewood, West Orange, Millburn, Irvington/Newark, etc. and see if they'd be willing to come across the border...
Waiting For The Electrician, Or Someone Like Him
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 504
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 10:47 am: |
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As I have said before, I have never experienced a problem with the disposal company and the guys who pick up our garbage have been friendly and have always taken an extra bag or box without hesitation.
I understand that Mergele has a problem with the billing, not the actual service. If there is not an isolated incident then we should look at other garbage services, but I do remember that most will only do curbside pick-up.
It would be best if we all used the same service because the last thing we need is several garbage trucks coming by at different times. I would guess that it would be difficult to find a carrier to make a pick-up in a residential neighborhood unless several residents banded together to make it worthwhile for the garbage company. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 166
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 11:16 am: |
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item 1 -- only 1 trash pickup week of July 4, none the following week -- takes 2 days of calls to get it picked up. makes me wonder when I got the last bill? maybe that was the problem.
item 2 -- previously lived in a small development in central nj of 31 homes -- had 2 different trash companies -- seemed to work ok (although for the first year or 2, no other trash company would come near us!)
Pete |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 232
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 11:51 am: |
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I can't speak for anyone else, but during the spring, we averaged less than three pickups every 2 weeks. That is, at least once every two weeks, SO Disposal simply did not pick up anything from our house.
On the other hand, billing has not been an issue for us. I autopay the bill every quarter.
Waiting For The Electrician, Or Someone Like Him
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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 7:29 pm: |
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I had quite a lengthy conversation with SO Disposal this afternoon, and while my immediate problem appears to have been resolved, they are facing some serious challenges with the Post Office that are almost certainly going to result in similar issues all over town.
Since becoming aware of the delivery problem, they have put a 'call list' of customers in place such that folks on various postal routes in town are to call them once they receive their quarterly bills. As per the Post Office, the Q3 bills were all out by July 8th. As of today, the 16th, no one on the call list has received one. Coincidentally, neither have I.
Quite honestly, I feel for these folks - if the story I got today is accurate, they're caught between a rock and a hard place.
But there's no plan to begin notifying delinquent account holders...
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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Jeff Alexander
Citizen
Username: Jalexander
Post Number: 22
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2003 - 9:36 am: |
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We got our bill last week and promptly paid it.. My wife ALWAYS pays these things the day after they arrive - I can assure you that this was NO exception.
Our garbage was NOT picked up Thursday. I called when I noticed Friday after they closed and left a message and am waiting as to a reason why.
I'll post when I hear it, but this is nuts.
Mergele, am I correct in reading that South Orange Disposal mailed out your bill on the 8th and cut you off when they didn't receive a check by the 10th? |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2003 - 4:09 pm: |
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Jeff, I went back through some records and found that the last time I paid them was at the end of 2002 (!!) They cut me off when I was about 6 months delinquent. I too pay these things immediately when they come in, but since this isn't a monthly bill, I had no idea I was late at all.
The bills that were allegedly mailed on the 8th were for the third quarter. I still haven't seen mine despite their assurances that it would be hand-delivered.
Oh, yeah - they didn't pick up AGAIN on Friday. In response to the Friday night voice message, demanding an explanation, a truck magically appeared at about 10:30 yesterday morning.
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2003 - 4:37 pm: |
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In response to Mr. Matthews above:
My initial inclination was not to pursure this further, based on assurances last Weds. from SO Disposal that I would experience no further service interruptions, but as mentioned immediately above this post, they failed to collect again on Friday and have not returned my call seeking explanation.
After doing some checking on the state's site, I did locate the below. Apparently, the Department of Environmetal Protection has jurisdiction.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/resource/utilyreg.doc
From: SOLID WASTE UTILITY REGULATIONS
N.J.A.C. 7:26H-1 et seq.
Under 7:26H-1.14 Service requirements; failure to render service
(d) No solid waste disposal utility shall discontinue service to any customer without first filing a petition with the Department, which petition shall give the reasons for such discontinuance. Such proposed discontinuance shall not become effective until approved by the Department.
I believe this requirement needs to be pointed out to the proprietors of SO Disposal... stay tuned.
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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Jeff Alexander
Citizen
Username: Jalexander
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 8:38 am: |
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I just spoke to South Orange Disposal
Apparently, they skipped 7 other houses also - the woman said she came in to 64 messages today.
They also refused to issue a credit for missing a pick-up - the woman immediately passed me off to someone else when I asked for a credit. They did offer to come tomorrow for a special pickup (I'll believe that when I see it), but come on - how about some customer service?
Mr. Rosner, it appears we have a non-isolated situation here (by the way, I have had this problem before with them) if they admit to missing at least 8 houses. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 513
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 9:36 am: |
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I have asked the village administrator to arrange a discussion with S. Orange Disposal and to see if there are having problems with garbage pick-up, etc.
I will post again regarding on this when I have more information. |
Jeff Alexander
Citizen
Username: Jalexander
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 6:17 pm: |
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So much for the promised special pickup.. They never came today (like they promised) and they refused to provide a credit for not coming last week.. What an awful, customer unfriendly company!
Do I have any recourse at all against this company which behaves so arrogantly and unethically (billing for a service not provided??)?
Mr. Rosner, surely something can be done to teach these individuals that this type of behavior is not acceptable? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 517
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 9:32 am: |
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As I have said before, for many years their service was more than acceptable. It appears that they have had some problems and I have suggested that the village arrange a sit-down to find out what their problem is and to get them back on track.
Missed pick-ups and not providing a credit for services not performed do not seem acceptable.
I will let you know what takes place. |
Jeff Alexander
Citizen
Username: Jalexander
Post Number: 26
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 11:09 am: |
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Called today (of course, no response to the message I left last night)- spoke to "Tony", the foreman, again - after he heard who I was and before I even got a word in, he told me he picked up the garbage at 8:30am and berated me for giving him a hard time while he has other problems (something about an incinerator bill) and threateningly asked me "Do you want to make a big deal out of this?". I'm sorry, but why should his problems become my problems(if they had picked up the garbage like they were supposed to last Thursday, I wouldnt have called and if they picked it up yesterday like they promised, I wouldnt have called back) and what was this threat supposed to mean?
I HAVE had similar problems with them before - this is not the first time.
Will the village administrator's meeting be open to the public? I would very much like to attend.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 520
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 11:28 am: |
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Jeff: I think it would be best if John Gross had a discussion with Tony first. The idea is to get the problems straightened out and to have our garbage picked up (on schedule) and without them making uncalled for comments (or threats).
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Soda
Citizen
Username: Soda
Post Number: 1047
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 1:36 pm: |
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Where's Tony Soprano When you need him?
-The Oracle of MOL
BTW: Even though the only waste generated at my cave is the ash from various burnt offerings, it does fill at least one kitchen-size garbage bag every few days, and the nice fellas from SO Disposal always show up, twice a week, rain or shine, summer and winter, regular as clockwork, and haul it away. Of course, whenever I'm up early enough to see 'em doing their thing, I always stick my grizzled old head out of the cave and say "Thanks, guy!" Don't you suppose that they might appreciate a kind word from all of us now and then? I mean... you tip your mailman, dontcha? You DON'T? Cheap bestid. |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 1:41 pm: |
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from: http://www.southorange.org/news.asp?page=2
South Orange News
SOUTH ORANGE DISPOSAL BILLS NOT REACHING CUSTOMERS
The Village has been made aware that many customers of South Orange Disposal have not received their bills for as long as 6 months (2 cycles). It is unclear why but the Village is working with South Orange Disposal and the Post Office to prevent any further inconvenience to Village residents. Please call South Orange Disposal if you have any further problems or have not received a bill since June 2003.
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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