BACLIFF – A longtime Bacliff resident says she’s experienced inconsistent trash pickup since Decker Dispose-All expanded its service route to neighboring San Leon.

Lisa Clark, who has lived in Bacliff for 18 years, says her scheduled trash pickup days are Mondays and Thursdays. Clark told KGTX that the last time her trash was collected was Monday evening around 8:30 p.m., more than a week earlier. She said that by the following Thursday, the garbage was still sitting on the curb and remained there through the weekend.

Clark says she contacted Decker Dispose-All on Friday, and a representative acknowledged delays and promised a truck would be sent out. But when she returned home Sunday, the trash was still there on 18th Street. On Monday, June 30, Clark says Decker reached out to ask if the trash had been picked up. “I told them no,” said Clark. “I spoke with them three times, and the last person said they were sending out trucks soon.”

Clark contacted the Bacliff Municipal Utility District (MUD) office to file a complaint and request a $5.52 refund for the missed service. She says the MUD told her they couldn’t issue a refund due to an active contract with Decker.

Chana Mills with the Bacliff MUD confirmed the office has received complaints.

“We have had a few complaints,” said Mills. “I reached out to Decker, who said they would put her on the list. They’re not sure why she was missed. I know Decker has had issues with their trucks. Usually when we reach out, they will fix the problem.”

Mills added that all complaints are passed along to the MUD board when multiple reports are received. She also noted that residents who want to speak at the July 14 board meeting must submit something in writing at least one week before the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.

When reached for comment, Decker Dispose-All Vice President Crystal Trahan said the company has been actively working to stay on top of pickup schedules.

“Our trucks are out every day. For the past three weeks, we’ve been running six days a week,” Trahan said. “Even the owner was out until 3 a.m. trying to catch up on commercial. Residential is definitely a priority.”

Trahan disputed Clark’s claim, saying the idea that trash had been left for a full week was inaccurate.

“We’ve been getting calls, but that’s normal. People can call us anytime and give us their name and address—we’re willing to rectify it. We take pride in going out there to take care of it quickly,” she said.

She attributed delays to a combination of factors, including weather and equipment.

“Like any other waste company, trucks break down,” Trahan said. “We’ve purchased more since taking on San Leon and hired new drivers. We’re trying to get it to where it works. Weather can also impact service—last week’s rain didn’t help.”

While some residents have reported delays, others say Decker Dispose-All’s crews are doing a tough job under challenging circumstances.

“We have had no problems,” said Sandy Mata in a public Facebook comment. “This truck they use does not have the lift that picks up trash cans—these guys have to do it manually. What a thankless job.”

Both Decker and Bacliff MUD said they will continue working with residents, to minimize future delays and correct any problems that occur.

Photo credit: City of Shoreacres Website

Editor’s Note: This article includes quotes and opinions from individuals involved in a consumer-related issue. KGTX 7 has not independently verified all claims made by those interviewed. All named individuals were given an opportunity to comment. After publication, Mrs. Clark contacted KGTX to confirm that Decker Dispose-All had returned to pick up her trash. In the hours that followed, at least five additional individuals came forward with similar complaints. KGTX 7 will continue to monitor and report on this developing consumer matter.