Crenshaw County Commissioners are planning to address garbage service disruptions, working to map reported complaints and partner with servicer, Meridian Waste to correct known issues. 

During the commission’s work session on March 10, commissioners and Crenshaw County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Elliott Jones discussed issues reported by local residents.

“We have a problem right now in Crenshaw County, and it’s our trash pickup service…” said Stallion Sasser, Crenshaw County commissioner for District 4. “We’re setting up some meetings with [Meridian so] that we can try to get this resolved because it is a necessity to have your trash picked up and in a timely manner, and what they’ve been doing is not at all sufficient enough for me, as a commissioner, or for our citizens.”

In the past, garbage disposal in Crenshaw County was handled by Arrow Disposal, which was bought out by Meridian Waste on Sept. 1, 2024.

Since the purchase, residents have registered complaints about the lack of garbage cans and missing garbage pickups, with service as much as one – two weeks behind in some areas. 

Commissioner Charles Sankey said that some of the complaints could be mapping issues. 

“I’ve had more situations where they’ve missed whole roads south of Luverne, and I think that’s just because of the demographic nature where you’ve got a lot of dirt roads and nooks and crannies,” Sankey said. “North of Luverne, [U.S.] Highway 331 has been a problem, and the tributaries of [Highway] 331 have been somewhat of a problem. 

“When I say that, I’m just going by complaints and where these complaints are coming from. It could be that we have citizens that just don’t complain.” 

Commissioners are currently working with Meridian Waste, whose representatives explained that new trucks are coming to solve the issue of disruptions in service. The commission will also be working to help Meridian Waste to provide their services by mapping reported issues. 

“We are compiling a list of complaints over the last several months,” Sankey said. “We’re going to try to map those complaints as it pertains to our county to try and see if there’s a concentration area. That will allow us to go back to Meridian and say ‘Hey, why is this area an area where we’re having a lot of problems?’ That may help us identify driver issues, mapping issues or equipment issues or a combination of all three.” 

Crenshaw County citizens wishing to report any issues with garbage disruptions may contact Jones, their county commissioner or the county administrator.