Traders' anger over soaring prices of waste disposal
Stuart Woledge
SEVERAL town traders have abandoned a waste disposal company amid rising charges and contract disputes.
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BIN HERE: Local trader Martin Cozens is just one disgruntled shop owner
Martin Cozens, who owns Pronto Bagel, in London Road, originally signed a contract with Shift It in 2005 to remove waste at a cost of £7.50 per bin.
But he claimed problems started when they were taken over by PHS Wastetech.
His last bill, at the end of September, priced emptying one bin at £22.34 – an increase of 198 per cent.
"When Wastetech took over the price started rising," said Mr Cozens.
"What's to stop them saying it's going to be £200 next month and £1,000 the month after?"
Both Mr Cozens and owner of Greggs Restaurant in the High Street, Gavin Gregg, complained that Wastetech demand three months' notice before formally ending an agreement.
Failure to do so means they are automatically tied in for another year.
Mr Gregg stopped using Wastetech two years ago, but is still receiving invoices and claimed the organisation had threatened legal action.
"They just won't let you go," said Mr Gregg.
"We've got to get that three months notice in on a particular day of the year otherwise they don't accept it.
"It's an unbelievable practice. Then they put up the charges. I want them to take me to court," added Mr Gregg. "Let's sort this out."
Both have now started using waste company Greensolve instead. Mr Cozens said they charge him £9.50 for the same service he received from Wastetech.
Managing director of Ditto printers, in London Road, Derek Griffin, has also stopped using Wastetech in favour of Greensolve.
He said: "We felt they were not providing a good enough service and the charges were too high."
A fourth customer claimed he too was hit by unfair charges, but has managed to re-negotiate his contract.
Wastetech head of customer services Steven Garrod said the company served 25,000 customers each week and had a 98.5 per cent record of right first time.
"We believe we charge a fair price for a premium service," said Mr Garrod.
"We also believe that once a contract has been signed, it should be honoured by both parties.
"The complaints made represent less than 0.016 per cent of our client base and although we accept complaints of any nature are a concern.
"However, it is not the shared opinion of the majority of our clients."
3 Comments
by Lee Collis, Swansea
Friday, June 18 2010, 12:59PM
“More about this subject at: http://piswasteteck.blogspot.com/”
by L de G, Tunbridge Wells
Monday, February 15 2010, 12:51PM
“After using Shift-It who were then taken over by PHS Wastetech for many years, we realised we could get a much better deal with a different collector. However we have been told that we cannot come out of the contract until August 2010. I have asked to see the contract but have to apply for it in writing. When PHS toook over Shift-It no-one ever pointed out the condition that you only had a 'one-off' opportunity to cancel every year. They will not take back a full set of 50 sacks and say we are in breach of contract for using another contractor. We are determined not to be bullied by a company that hides behind small print. I had no idea that cancellation would only be accepted once a year. Would be pleased to hear what happens if you return unused sacks by registered post and do not pay the invoice plus I have refused to complete the Annual Waste Transfer note as I do not want them to collect my waste. Any advice greatfully received.”
by s s bains, maidstone
Monday, January 05 2009, 10:26AM
“phswaste are real cowboys.
They stole our own 110 ltr bin and replaced it with one of their own. They promised to return it back a year ago (2007 Nov). still havn't seen it yet. They started charging for one they left in place of my own.
Bunch of thiefs.
I would like them to take me to the court and sort it out once for all.”