By Julie Masters
Moapa Valley Progress
Published September 17, 2008
I must admit that when I was asked to write a story on Republic Services, I was not excited. Having heard far too many stories of confused or uncooperative Republic Services phone staff, I was a little hesitant. Much to my surprise, however, Mr. Bob Coyle at Republic Services answered all of my questions promptly and thoroughly. He also assured me that all the information I or any one else needed was on their “new and improved” web site. He was kind and helpful, offering me information.
One thing that he told me which caught my attention was that the cost of disposing of a discarded refrigerator was $27. I was happy to hear this because I had just such an item living on my back porch which I was eager to be rid of.
And so, last week I followed his instructions and went to the Republic website. It was very nice. But it offered no information on discarding a refrigerator. Perhaps it’s just me, I thought. After all, I am not the most computer savvy person. So giving the “new and improved” web site the benefit of the doubt I moved on to the phone number posted on the site.
The young lady that did finally answer was helpful and relatively polite. But when she said; “OK Mrs. Masters that will be $212 would you like us to put that on your bill, or pay by credit card?” I almost choked! “Excuse me could you please repeat that?” I said. And repeat it she did. I then explained my earlier phone conversation with Mr. Coyle and how he had assured me it was a minimal fee of only $27. She explained that, although there was a minimal fee of $27, there was also a pickup tranportation charge of $97 per hour, and since I lived in Logandale, well you get the picture.
I then explained with some frustration that I had spoken to Mr. Coyle a few days prior, and, based on that conversation, an article in the Progress was printed with this “misinformation”. At this point, she asked me to wait for a supervisor.
Once I explained my situation, yet again, to the ever-helpful supervisor, she explained about how the charge used to be $27 back in 2006. But, she said, it had changed in 2007 because they had to hire a hazardous waste contractor for all appliances containing freon.
I again explained that an article had been published which contained erroneous information! Seeming to sense my alarm she took my name and number, promising me a phone call from someone named “Dee Dee”.
True to her word I was contacted in a few short hours by Dee Dee. After explaining my plight yet again, Dee Dee informed me that she had already spoken to Mr. Coyle who acknowledged our phone interview, stating that he had indeed given me the $27 price tag. She reiterated that although the normal trip fee was $93.80 on top of the $27. But, circumstances being what they were, she said that they would give me the $27, that I was originally quoted.
The fact that I had been quoted three different prices by four different people didn’t seem to faze her. Nor did the reality that many Moapa Valley residents would be reading a story quoting an incorrect price. I finally hung up feeling like they really thought I just wanted a good deal.
Well that refrigerator is still sitting on my back porch. If someone else has a refrigerator and wants to call, maybe they will let us split the cost. Good luck. But, in any case, you may want to get it in writing.
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