Complaints

This profile includes complaints for SEM's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  SEM

  755 Governor Lea Rd New Castle, DE 19720-5512

• 

  SEM

  453 Pier Head Blvd Smyrna, DE 19977-8205

• 

  SEM

  PO box 987 New Castle, DE 19720

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/22/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company stopped picking up our trash as the result of unpaid bills. We owed $870.95 according to my most recently received invoice. The company stopped picking up our trash yet continued to charge us for the service. Roughly a month after receiving this invoice I called them to pay a portion of what we owed, $402. After paying this I was told that we had been continued to be charged while not receiving trash service and would continue to be charged until our balance was paid in full. I was told we would not receive trash pickup service but would be charged for it until the balance was paid in full. I seek only to pay for the trash collection we received. How can a company charge you for a service that is not being provided?

  Business Response

  Date: 10/23/2024

  Good Morning,

  Mr. *********'s account was suspended due to lack of payment.  His account was severely overdue and was not suspended until 9/8/2024.  We have provided Mr. ********* trash service since April 2023.  His current outstanding balance is $598.53.  He is billed on a quarterly basis and we will be more than willing to credit his account for the weeks he was not serviced so long as he pays his account up to the current due.  

  The issue here revolves around Mr. ********* not paying his bill.  Had he paid his bill we would have never suspended his account. 

  As of today, not including charges subsequent to suspension, Mr. ********* still owes the Company $379.35.  We respectfully request that Mr. ********* pay the money he owes on his account and we can resume his service.

  Regards,

  SEM Management

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/29/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. They were very helpful and fully willing to work with me on this issue. They were nice enough to waive the accrued interest on my account. They also set us up with a payment plan so that we could get our trash service back and pay back what we owed to them. ******* was a pleasure to speak with as well, I really appreciate her help in resolving this issue.  Regards, Complaint ID: 22459939

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/02/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been a customer of Trash Tech for several years. Never had a problem until about 6 months ago. My trash pick up was missed I called the company they were going to send someone out never did. I ask for a one week credit to my bill which I did not get. A month later 2 weeks in a row my trash pick up was skipped. Again ask for a credit did not receive one. Now again. March 30. No trash pickup. I am paid to the end of April. All payments are on time and paid in full.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/03/2024

  Good Morning,

  We do have notice that the customer was missed at the end of January, but no record of a request for credit. 

  When customers call in for missed pickup, we usually recover them with in 48 hours.  A missed pick up can happen for a multitude of reasons, including truck breakdown, driver error and the customer did not put their cans at the curb. 

  I have authorized at $15 credit to the customer's account for any inconvenience.

  Regards,

  SEM Management

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/04/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered. They have offered a credit of  $15.00.    According to my figures.   They have missed 4 pickups.   3 month bill is $115.07 divided by 13 weeks is  $8.86 per week times 4 equals $35.44.   The first time I spoke to a gentleman.  I also included a note when I paid the bill that I felt I should have received a credit.  Then I called the next time when 2 weeks was missed.  That was noted on the bill.   Then this past Friday.  March 29 it was again missed.    Did not contact the company   I contacted the bbb instead. Regards, Complaint ID: 21517689    

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have used this trash company for more than 10 years, and they occasionally fail to pick up my trash. This week, I put my trash out on Sunday night (1/14/24) (it is meant to be picked up on Monday) and left it out until Tuesday (1/16/24) afternoon, and it was never picked up. I called today, 1/17/24, to let them know that they did not pick up my trash and get them to come back out. Customer service initially sent me a photo, which they claimed was from Monday at 3:41pm, showing that my trash was not by the curb. They insisted that I would have to pay for someone to come back and get it. I then called back and spoke with someone else who confirmed that the photo was not in fact from my trash pick up day, but from the following day (1/16/24 in the afternoon), and acknowledged that they had not finished their route on my trash pick up day (1/15/24). Unfortunately this person then became rude and hung up on me. I have contacted them again and spoke with management to cancel my service and request a refund (as my service is prepaid). They are refusing to refund my account (approximately $100) even though they have failed to provide the service I contracted for, and refused to send someone back to pick up my trash at no charge.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In early August my contractor (F&J Builders, LLC * ***********5) hired Trash Tech (*** ******* *** **** *** ******* *** *******-8000) to install a dumpster in my driveway for the renovation process. In the process of delivering the dumpster Trash tech knocked down and destroyed the fence at the end of the driveway. It is not repairable, and will need to be replaced. Estimates from several fence companies indicate a sum of $3000 to $3500 to replace the fence. F&J has attempted to work with Trash Tech since August to no avail. So, I am proceeding with complaints on my own while F&J continues to work with Trash Tech, but after 5 months no progress is being made.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/17/2024

  This complaint is inaccurate.  We did do some damage to the fence, however, Ms. ****** wanted us to replace her entire fence.  After negotiating our responsibility for the damage, we sent Ms. ****** a check for $2,500 for the damage we caused. The check was sent to her on 1/10/2024 and she filed the complaint after we sent her the check.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
  
  
  
  
  Regards,

  Complaint ID: 21157236

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/06/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been a customer of Trash Tech, now SEM, for years and have had issues over those years but the issues (failure to pickup the trash) has now been a common occurrence. I pay quarterly, $122.36, for the trash pickup and associated additional fees. Trash Tech committed to picking up my trash every Friday morning but has failed to do this. The latest was just before Labor Day weekend and they sent an email to say they would be a day late (first time since I have been a customer). Well, no pickup Friday, or Saturday or Sunday or Monday, I called Tuesday and they said they would put in a ticket to have it picked up BUT it could be picked up as late as Friday (my usual pickup). Being it is Labor day week the pickups are all mover one day forward, meaning my regular pickup would be Saturday. I tried to cancel service after I sent my last check June 23 2023 but was told there would be no refunds, so that is why I haven’t cancelled their service yet. I sent this message to them and posted it to their Facebook page, without a reply. Well, it's now Sunday and trash is still on the street. Unfortunately they are closed Monday so I guess the best I can hope for is a Tuesday pickup....... Any bets?!?!? PREVIOUS POST: Just copied and pasted for Sept 1 pickup AGAIN!! For the first time I got an email that said they would be late but would pickup Saturday....well it's Saturday!!! "Missed my house for pickup, again Aug 4, 2023. 258 Woodrow Ln Port Deposit, MD. Let me know when you will be coming by so my HOA will not fine me for leaving the can out overnight. This is the second time within a month." Many others have also been dealing with this so I felt a complaint to BBB would be in order.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/31/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid for trash pick up in May for June, July & August 2023. It was picked up June 29th and then July 1st only. They have not picked up as of yet. My neighbors are complaining about my trash even though it is in cans, now four (4). I am told they are coming and are making rounds for the houses they missed, not true. I would like to put a complaint in, sorry to have to do it but.... I called to day asked to please come out and get the trash. Probably not. If you need to call my number is ************ *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/21/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Failure to render services contracted for. Failure to cancel service when requested. Trash Tech ( now SEM ) failed to pick up trash and recycling in a timely manner, frequently being late or completely missing weekly pick ups. I discontinued services and requested a billing adjustment for missed pick ups on or about 01/12/2023. Trash Tech says they have no record of this. Trash Tech kept the account open and continued to bill for services through their most recent billing cycle which ends 09/30/2023. The last time I used Trash Tech for trash pick up was early January 2023. I have spoken to their billing/collections department at least 4 times about this issue and have not been able to come to a fair resolution. The " notes " they keep on prior phone calls seem to be very inaccurate. Example: The first time I spoke with someone from their billing/collections department was in 03/2023. On this call I explained I had discontinued services in 01/2023 and asked for an account adjustment. According to their " notes " of the call I only asked for a reduction in my quarterly service fee and then became angry and hung up. This is completely not the case. All 4 times I have spoken with their billing/collections department it is their agent who has become angry and ended the call when I have not agreed to make payment for the services they failed to provide. I am more then happy to pay for the services I actually received.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/05/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  They are horrible at customer service and the service is terrible .Ever since I have canceled the service the service has been worse. The pickup is for Every Monday. Every week I am calling to ask if trash is going to be pickup. They lie and give Every excuse under the sun. Again today trash not picked up for normal pickup..and when I call they say it is on its way or the truck is broken down and then we never get any notice of issues. They are the worse company I have ever dealt with. The customer service representative are rude and lie..I have canceled with due to the terrible service...something needs to be done..they need to be closed down. You pay money for a service and this not a good company. You should not have to call every week to ask if they are picking up the trash..Again the reason that I have canceled my service with them. It doesn't make a bit of since

  Business Response

  Date: 06/06/2023

  We have not misinformed ********. Prior to the 5/10/23 phone call to cancel service ******** has not contacted us for issues since 3/20/23. At which time her trash was recovered that day.  There are circumstances that arise with out notice that will delay a route, when this happens we send out a notice of delay by email to everyone effected by the delay. ******** has cancelled her service at the end of her quarter. No further action needs to take place on this account. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/09/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered. Hello! The responds from Trash Tech is a lie..I call them every other week to ask if my trash will be picked up.This again displays the lies they tell .They are unprofessional and if anyone reads all the complaints they have. They'll know I am correct. Yes, I have canceled my service due to their unprofessional manners and unreliability in the service.  Their respond is not acceptable..they need to do better and apologize for the unprofessional and unreliable service they provide.  They need to be shut down.. Regards, Complaint ID: 20147151    

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/03/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Trash Tech has multiple time missed picking up the trash from our house. This lead to us finding a new trash service to ensure that we can remove the waste from our house to keep it sanitary and healthy to live in. When we called to cancel trash tech we were told that we were paid up till May of this year (2023). We decided to continue to use this service till they take the cans in may to complete spring cleaning and trash from moving. On the day that trash was to be picked up from our house I observed the Trash Tech truck dive past the bins sitting out, and no attempt to make any pick up of trash or recycling was made. We have contacted Trash Tech multiple times at this point we are using the BBB to request a refund before filing with small claims court to get a return on our money.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/09/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We terminated residential trash, recycling, and yard waste services with Trash Tech LLC on 2/1/2023. We were told they would come to collect their bins within a week, but to date, they have not collected their bins and my house is not their storage facility.