Trash Services FAQs

1. Why do we have new garbage collection rates - Effective October 1, 2023? 

Last year, the Township's existing waste hauler contract expired. The Township solicited bids through an open bidding process in compliance with our purchasing policy. Green for Life Environmental was awarded the contract after an extensive review process that showed GFL's proposal was the lowest cost to residents. The new waste hauler contract offers a different rate structure as set by GFL. As of July 1, 2024, Priority Waste became the new waste hauler. GFL Environmental sold all its residential contracts to Priority Waste.

2. What discounts are available? 

Senior Discount $1 per month: $17.28 per month base rate (There will be a yearly increase of rates starting October 1st every year.)
Veteran Discount 3%
Annual Prepay 3%
Auto Pay 3%

For more information on discounts, see Service Rates sheet. 

3. When will Priority be sending invoices out?

Priority will be sending invoices out Mid- August for the September billing cycle. The invoice will include instructions on how to set up a new online account with Priority Waste and where to mail payments.

All residents will have to create a new account with Priority Waste to pay their bills online. Emails and credit card information from GFL were not transferred to Priority Waste. 

If you have any billing questions, please email billing@prioritywaste.com with your name, address, and payment details to confirm. 

Creating an Account with Priority Waste:
Step 1 - Visit prioritywaste.com
Step 2 - Click the login button
Step 3 - Click the sign-up button
Step 4 - Create an account. Sign up with an invoice number. 
Step 5 - Create an account. Fill out the correct information for your account then click register. 
**Must have invoice number and customer number to continue. Invoice number and customer number are attached in your first bill from Priority. 
Step 6 - Once registered, confirm your account in your email, then sign in.
Step 7 - Explore the portal. Through the portal, you can be pay your bill, set up auto-pay, view your transaction history and more!

4. How do I get the discount(s)?

Veterans and Seniors wanting to receive the appropriate discounts can apply by filling out the Veterans and Senior Discount Application Form. This form can be printed from the Macomb Township website and submitted in person or by mail at the Township Treasurer's Office inside Town Hall (54111 Broughton Road). Along with the appropriate identification. You can also send a copy of your driver's license (for seniors) and or Veteran ID (for Veterans) by email to billing@prioritywaste.com or mail it to Priority's address at 45000 River Ridge Drive, Ste. 200 Clinton Township, MI 48038. 

Residents who want to receive the Annual Pre-Payment Discount from Priority must log into their Priority account and manually input the 3% discounted rate price to receive the discount or mail a check with the discounted rate. The Annual Pre-Payments will be due by September 30 each year to receive the discount.

 Residents who want to receive the Electronic Auto Payment Discount can sign up for the online bill pay through Priority's website. 

How to Set Up Auto Pay:
Step 1 - Login to your Priority account
Step 2 - Click the Payment Accounts tab
Step 3 - Click Save New Card button
Step 4 - Fill out Credit Card Information and submit
Step 5 - Once you get the approval message, your credit card is saved!
Step 6 - Click the Payment Accounts tab
Step 7 - Click Auto Pay button to ON

5. How do I pay my bill? 

Residents can pay their bills either over the phone, online with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express or through mail. Residents can contact Priority at (586)228-1200 to pay over the phone. Mailed payments should be sent directly to Priority Waste at the address listed below: 

Priority Waste

45000 River Ridge Dr., Suite 200

Clinton Twp., MI 48038

6. Are my rates going to change again? 

Rates will increase annually on October 1st per the schedule.  The rates for the new 5-year service contract with GFL are approved and can be viewed on the Township website under Yearly Rate Sheet. 

7. What do I do if my residence is vacant, either temporarily or permanently? And who do I notify? 

Temporary Vacant Residential Dwelling Units: An owner/occupant of a single-family residential dwelling unit that intends to temporarily vacate the dwelling unit for a period of at least thirty (30) days shall notify Priority Waste before the service is to be discontinued. The owner/occupant must discontinue service for a minimum of thirty (30) days. If the residential dwelling unit will be vacant for more than thirty (30) days, the owner/occupant must provide the authorized waste hauler with adequate documentation verifying the vacancy. The quarterly collection charge will be prorated during the temporary vacancy. Temporary vacancy service may not exceed ninety (90) days annually. 

Permanently Vacant Dwelling Units: An owner/occupant of a single-family residential dwelling unit that will be permanently vacant shall notify Priority Waste, in writing, of the effective date of the vacancy. Upon receipt of the notice, the waste hauler will discontinue all service to the dwelling unit and not resume service until it is notified, in writing, that the dwelling unit will be occupied. 

8. How do I order a free garbage cart from Priority Waste? 

All residential households that did not have a leased cart in the previous contract ending on September 30, 2023, can call Priority at (586)228-1200 and request a FREE 95 gal. trash cart. 

The first cart requested would remain the property of the current parcel. 

9. What type of carts does Priority sell? How much is it to purchase a cart from Priority? 

Trash Cart: 95 gallons, $96.00 
Recycling Cart: 65 gallons, $86.00
Yard Waste Cart: 65 gallons, $86.00 / 95 gallons, $96.00 

10. What happens to my leased cart prior to this new contract beginning October 1, 2023? 

Any cart that was leased prior to the starting of the new contract on October 1, 2023, becomes the property of that homeowner and no other fees will be collected. Residents that previously leased a cart are unable to obtain a free cart from Priority Waste.

11. Can a multi-family residential organization or association opt into the Macomb Township negotiated contract? Who do I contact? 

A multiple family residential organization or association may now take advantage of the rates established in the Oct 1st, 2023, contract with Priority Waste. Contact Priority at (586)228-1200.

12. Can I opt out of the Priority Waste service contract? 

Owners of single-family homes/units in Macomb Township are not able to opt out of the Township service contract with Priority Waste. Per Township Ordinance Sec. 8-28.-Services Provided. The Township, through its designated waste hauler, will provide the curb side collection of mixed refuse, recyclables, and yard waste. 

13. Why did the Senior (Ages 60+) rate increase with the October 1, 2023, contract? 

Through the bidding process, new service rates and discount amounts were set by GFL with the new contract, including the senior service rate.