77º

‘Our technology failed’: Trash provider under scrutiny as it is set to take over in Clay County

FCC Environmental Services experiencing disruptions in St. Johns County

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – FCC Environmental Services is slated to take over trash services in Clay County on Oct. 1.

In the meantime, St. Johns County officials are set to discuss FCC at a meeting Monday -- with the waste company’s future possibly on the line after growing concerns and complaints from residents over service disruptions.

Last week, a company executive addressed the St. Johns County situation at a Clay County board meeting.

He said critical systems were not turned on during the transition.

“And our technology failed,” Vice President of Business Development Charles Merkley said. “And why did it fail? We’re researching that now with 3rd Eye, [that] is the name of the company that’s utilizing that information and the data, and it didn’t get activated. So all the equipment was in there. It just didn’t get activated. We make no excuses for that. We should have been prepared for that, but we weren’t.”

FCC said that technology serves as the eyes and ears of every truck and route.

According to 3rd Eye’s website, it helps verify pickups to improve efficiency.

The issues with the technology led to St. Johns residents complaining about service disruptions as well as trash cans left in the streets and trash on the ground.

News4JAX asked Clay County about its plans to switch to FCC.

It released a statement that said:

“As we go through the next several weeks, we will continue to work closely with FCC to make sure all of the steps are completed within the transition plan ahead of the October 1 start date.”

FCC has been handing out garbage cans to Clay County residents since July. And it takes over service on Oct. 1.


About the Author

Chris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award.

Recommended Videos