No rate changes for 1 year as Waste Management takes over Best Disposal

Waste Management has taken over garbage collection for Best Disposal’s 1,200 residential and 35 commercial customers in Austin.

Waste Management, which finalized the deal to buy Best Disposal from Don and Dori Hagen on Aug. 1, will keep the same rates for all customers for at least one year, according to Waste Management representative Julie Ketchum. While the routes will remain the same for now, according to Ketchum, Waste Management will eventually blend its new customers’ routes into its existing routes in Rochester and Clarks Grove. Waste Management will let customers know of any changes, Ketchum added. Ketchum said they will lay off Best Disposal employees.

According to Ketchum, the Hagens approached Waste Management wanting to sell their business because Don Hagen is working for UPS.

Waste Management has corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, and services nearly 20 million customers in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, according to its website. The garbage collection company reported $13.37 billion in total revenue in 2011 and a net income of $961 million.

The Hagens did not return calls for comment. Best Disposal’s number is 507-433-9489.

SportsPlus

Mower County

Austin man gets nearly nine years possessing child pornography

News

Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says

News

Law enforcement officials tell the AP that the suspect in the New Orleans crash is dead

News

New year, new laws: These laws go into effect Jan. 1 in Minnesota

Mower County

2024: Expansion, flooding among the top stories of this past year

Mower County

Austin Area Arts seeks undiscovered talent

Mower County

Hanson honored as he heads into phased retirement

News

New digital evidence requirement begins Jan. 1 in Minnesota

News

January special election called for tiebreaker Minn. Senate seat after Dziedzic’s death

Business

Austin Utilities Board approves rate changes for 2025

News

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Mower County

Sheriff takes part in one-of-a-kind training opportunity

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Dec. 16-23

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Mower County

Public invited to learn about Mower County, City of Austin Comprehensive Plans

News

Job market jitters real for some mid-career and recent grads

News

One owl rescued by a Minnesota woman is euthanized; efforts to save the other continue

News

Prayers, songs greet Dakota Riders in Mankato 162 years after hangings

Mower County

Walk, snowshoe or ski by candlelight at Minnesota state parks and trails this winter

Mower County

Fire Marshal investigating Christmas night fire near Sargeant

News

Survey on isolation: Nearly half of Minnesotans report feeling left out at times

Mower County

DNR investigating recent waterfowl deaths across southern Minnesota

Mower County

A new reason to run: After diagnosis, Austin grad is looking to raise funds to fight MS

Mower County

SWCD board chair to serve as VP for state group