Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Star City Sanitation, a family-owned and operated solid-waste business located at 218 Parsons St. in Presque Isle, is marking a milestone this year, having served the rubbish-removal needs of residents and businesses alike in the Star City and surrounding communities for four decades.
“This is our 40th year in business. We started in June 1970, based out of our home in the beginning,” said Marcella LeBlanc, office manager, speaking of the business she and her husband, Edgar LeBlanc, still own and operate.
As business grew, so did the need for additional space.
“We worked out of our home for a few years, then bought a garage on Industrial St. — ran the shop there and kept the office at home. We stayed there for a while, then bought our current facility on the Parsons Rd.,” she said.
The business has grown from one truck to four, with staff added to accommodate a growing customer base.
“We moved to our Parsons Rd. location in 1990-91. We have a new shop, four garbage trucks and four roll-off trucks, plus other equipment,” said Andy LeBlanc, the owners’ son, who helps manage the company.
In the beginning, service was provided to Presque Isle businesses and residents. Over time, service expanded to include several other communities.
“In addition to Presque Isle, we serve Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill, Washburn and surrounding communities. Our roll-offs are available throughout Aroostook,” said Marcella. “When we first started, it was just my husband Edgar and one man on a truck. I did the book work then too.”
Now, in addition to family, she said the company has six full-time employees as well as seasonal help come summer.
“Our son, Andy, grew up with the business. He started full-time after attending NM (Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, now Northern Maine Community College),” said Marcella, noting even the grandchildren are involved in the family business, doing commercials in the past.
“Working with family can be challenging,” said Andy, “but one of the biggest benefits is I get to see my parents every day. All jobs have their ups and downs, but this one gives me an opportunity most children don’t get.”
Unlike many businesses hit hard by tough economic times, Star City Sanitation credits loyal customers and the inevitability of trash for their success.
“Trash is never-ending. People always have garbage. We have many customers who’ve been with us for decades,” said Andy.
He said over the years the business has seen changes in the way society views trash and its disposal.
“One of the earliest changes was the city’s voluntary recycling of cardboard became mandatory. There’s been a big change in the industry. Universal waste is another area,” said Andy. “When we started, everything went in the back of the truck. We can’t do that today.”
According to Andy, the company built compartments and improvised to store cardboard, which was then properly recycled, keeping tons of refuse from going in the landfill.
“We’ll recycle four to five tons of cardboard a month, from businesses and residential customers. That’s a lot staying out of the landfill,” he said.
“We also do the blue bag program (for recycling items like aluminum, paper and plastic). We have bags, as does the city. That’s gone over very well,” added Marcella.
Andy said he enjoys what he does and the people he meets.
“I like people. I’ve met people from every walk of life. It’s interesting,” said Andy.
Marcella credits the company’s success not only on loyal customers but a great staff and family support as well.
“Linwood Haley’s been with us over 24 years,” she said.
When asked what one word best described Haley, Marcella said “dependable.”
“He’s never missed a day of work. He’s never late. He’s just one of those guys you can count on. He’s really spoiled us,” she said.
Billing procedures have evolved over the years, with the latest improvement idea coming from another family member.
“When we started, I billed people by hand on postcards. That was time consuming and as postage costs grew, it got expensive,” said Marcella. “That changed a few years ago when our daughter, Debbie Alexander, and I put coupon books together. That reduced postage and time doing postcards. It’s been a big help and money-saver.”
The company continues to evolve, looking for even more ways to keep costs competitive and better serve customers.
“We do everything — we’re a complete solid waste removal service. We also do complete demolition, making sure DEP guidelines and separation rules are followed,” said Andy. “We diversified. That’s another part of our industry in Maine that’s changed. You can’t just tear a house down; asphalt shingles and asbestos, for example, have to be separated. They can’t just go in a dumpster or landfill.”
Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some business pickups performed on Saturdays.
“We provide pick-up service to businesses like restaurants on Saturdays. It helps reduce smells, keeps animals away,” said Andy.
When asked if she and her husband had any plans to retire, turning the business over entirely to their son, Marcella said “that discussion is ongoing.”
“For the time being, we look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the years to come,” said Marcella.
For more information, call 764-1692.
FOUR DECADES’ OF SERVICE — Star City Sanitation, of Presque Isle, is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving the garbage-removal needs of residents and businesses in Presque Isle and surrounding communities. Pictured with one of the company’s newest trucks are the owners, from left: Andy, Marcella and Edgar LeBlanc.
