Attorney General Doug Peterson Announces Settlement Regarding Recycling Services in Syracuse; Mayor Pleased
Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson today announced a settlement with Waste Connections of Nebraska, Inc., resolving an investigation that focused on recycling services in Syracuse, Nebraska. The State had concerns that at times during 2012 and 2013, Waste Connections failed to properly handle consumers’ curbside recycling materials. The State alleged that Waste Connections treated some recycling materials and garbage from Syracuse in the same manner, transporting at least some materials to a landfill, instead of recycling those materials. Waste Connections denies that any recycling was mishandled in Syracuse during 2012 or 2013, or any time thereafter. Waste Connections has handled garbage hauling and disposal in Syracuse since 2002.
The settlement requires Waste Connections to properly collect, transport, and dispose of all solid waste and recyclable materials. In addition, Waste Connections shall provide proper instruction for handling of solid waste and recyclable materials to its employees/independent contractors and monitor compliance with these policies. Waste Connections is also required to make a payment of $50,000 to the City of Syracuse to be used for beautification projects or improvements, and make a $12,500 payment to the State.
“The citizens of Syracuse appreciate the efforts of Attorney General Doug Peterson, Assistant Attorney General Abigail Stempson, and the staff of the Consumer Protection Division for their hard work in resolving this issue with Waste Connections,” stated Mayor Thomas “Kc” Ortiz. “What happened here in Syracuse was wrong – We’re thankful to have this resolved. The $50,000 will be used wisely as we have several City projects which will benefit from this settlement.”
To obtain information about how to protect yourself as a consumer, file a consumer complaint, or report a scam, please visit the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division website at www.protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov or call (800) 727-6432.
