Carol Evans wasn’t sure what to expect when she headed for a meeting at Clarkston Junior High School on Thursday, Aug. 27.
It wasn’t long before the words of local residents had her wiping away tears.
‘It’s hard to put into words,? said Evans, owner of the Springfield Township-based Smith’s Disposal. ‘I’m so grateful for the support from our customers and friends; I couldn’t hold back when I heard the good things they were saying about us.?
The meeting was set up by local township officials aimed at providing residents with information about a recent trash hauling and recycling study.
Evans, who said she fears for the survival of her business, has made a point of attending every meeting scheduled by the seven involved communities.
She and her staff have also put much time and energy into letting customers know what they see as the possible outcome if a solid waste authority is formed: small haulers could go belly-up.
While some government officials have accused her of spreading half-truths and campaigning against the whole idea, Evans doesn’t see it that way.
‘I’m not campaigning,? she said. ‘We’re just trying to get the information out there. Our customers are the ones who are responding.?
In business since 1980, Smith’s provides pickup and recycling services in Springfield, Independence, Waterford and Brandon, as well as portions of Holly, Groveland and Orion.
The company is currently preparing to move to a new facility on White Lake Road in Independence Township.
‘We can’t make decisions,? Evans said. ‘I’ve been trying to hold off on the closing until I know if I’m even going to have a business to move.?
Last October, when Evans? brother, co-owner Ken Smith, decided to retire, Evans bought out his shares and became the company’s sole owner.
‘I just want to save my company, and I’ll do whatever it takes,? she said. ‘If I’d had any idea this was coming I’d have retired along with my brother. The bank has a lien on my house, my retirement, my savings, everything.?
It’s been, she said, a very difficult couple of months.
But not just for her.
‘Stressful,? said Michelle Michalski, who handles customer service at Smith’s. ‘I’ve been here 10 years; everyone is like a second family. It’s been very stressful not knowing if any of us are going to be out of a job soon, not knowing if I’ll be able to support my family.?
Smith’s General Manager Archie Munson said he didn’t see the need for a solid waste authority if the driving force was truly cutting-edge recycling methods.
‘They keep saying this is about conversion technology and turning garbage into energy,? he said. ‘If that was the case, we’d be the first in line; it’s great for the environment, it’s great for everybody. Who doesn’t want that??
But, he pointed out, such technology does not yet exist in the United States.
‘If they could build this thing’and prove it works and prove it’s economically feasible’we would take our garbage there; if we didn’t, we’d be run out of business. All our customers would demand we take our garbage there. And rightfully so.?