The Portage city trash hauler debate has gotten very contentious over the last few months.
A citizen-led petition drive forced the city council to approve the petition language in January, setting up a special election on Tuesday, May 5th.
It was back in July of 2025 when the council decided to sign a contract exclusively with Waste Management for residential trash pickup across the city. City officials said the change would reduce wear and tear on Portage streets and lower costs for residents.
According to the city, Waste Management’s trash hauling proposal will cost residents $14.04 per month for trash pickup, Best Way’s proposal would have cost $17.12 per month.
https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2026/01/portage-trash-debate-will-be-settled-by-voters-in-special-election.html
A YES vote bans single-hauler contracts for trash, giving residents back their right to choose. A NO vote continues the single-hauler system for trash, as outlined in the current ordinance, according to the Portage website. https://www.portagemi.gov/990/Single-Hauler-Special-Election
A group of citizens and businesses, who hope to overturn the single waste hauler contract, say the Portage city council entered this contract against the express wishes of the residents. A 2020 City of Portage questionnaire of 1,700 residents showed 54% opposed a single-hauler system. 88% of residents said they were satisfied with the waste-removal services they already had.
The citizens group says a YES vote will restore residents’ freedom to choose their own trash provider, end the city-imposed trash contract and restore competition.
https://takebackthetrash.com/
According to Jay Woodham, who ran for Portage City Council last year, the city of Portage has entered into this contract illegally and has outlined his arguments here on his website.
https://woodhamsforportage.com/single-hauler-vote
Other residents also suggest the council is possibly violating the Sherman act, an antitrust law that outlaws mergers and contracts that create monopolies and hinder competition. https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/antitrust-laws
While some residents have voiced their concerns about the cost of a special election in May, the trash hauler proposal isn’t the only item on the ballot. The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (kresa) also is requesting a millage renewal on the May ballot.
https://www.kresa.org/2026-millage-renewal
Absentee ballots will be available starting March 26th. Never miss a special election like this in the future. Sign up at the clerk’s office to be on the permanent absentee ballot list.