Complaints

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

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  Lakeshore Recycling Systems

  5500 Pearl St Rosemont, IL 60018-5303

• 

  Lakeshore Recycling Systems

  265 N Janesville St Milton, WI 53563-1306

• 

  Lakeshore Recycling Systems

  39578 Grand Ave North Branch, MN 55056-5070

• 

  Lakeshore Recycling Systems

  6132 Oakton St Morton Grove, IL 60053-2718

• 

  Lakeshore Recycling Systems

  1311 35th Ave Seaton, IL 61476

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:03/26/2025

  Type:Order 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.

  I (Stefania) have been charged for services that were not provided from July thru December 2024. I am 90 years old and my daughter ******** has been communicating with **** ***** from LRS.The City of Des Plaines signed a contract with *** and I personally only signed a form for a senior discount. I did not sign a contract with them.I (********) contacted *** in Sept 2024 because I received a $800.00 . I was not able to reach anyone so I contacted the City of Des Plaines and they stated they would contact a supervisor to reach out to me. So finally I received a voicemail from **** ****** from *** and he stated that I should email him. I emailed him and finally he contacted me back in November 2024. We were emailing back and forth and finally on February 14, 2025 **** ****** stated that he was going to credit my account from July 2024 thru December. (please see email attached) then he stated that he was going to only credit me a few months and the bill is now $664.28.I am seeking to only pay the past due balance and NOT the entire $664.28.Please help me resolve this issue so that I can reinstate my garbage collection.Thank you,******** ********* *************************************************** ************

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2025

  Were sorry for the inconvenience and truly understand how important consistent trash service is. *** has not received payment for services at this residence since October 2022. However, due to the unfortunate loss of a family member in 2024,an account manager approved a bereavement credit covering July through December 2024. This allowed us to reinstate service once the remaining balance (less the bereavement credit) is paid. Although we have not yet received a payment,services were reinstated and a $323.20 bereavement credit was applied as a goodwill gesture. To make a payment and bring the account current, please call us at ************ and select option 3 to speak with a representative. Were here to help.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/26/2025

  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.

  LSR is charging excessive overage fees for trash service. They are inconsistent in their pickups and inconsistent in their overage fees.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2025

  Thanks so much for reaching out. We understand your concerns and want to ensure were as helpful as possible. On March 27th, our operations manager called the phone number we have on the account and left a voicemail, but we havent heard back yet. Just so you know, all overage photos are timestamped and include GPS coordinates. Photos are saved in our database and can be shared with you anytime just let us know the service dates in your request! Were happy to assist.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/14/2025

   
  Complaint: 23120155
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1) While there are photos, the overage charged are grossly inflated.  Also I've mentioned that I've had several missed pickups and have not complained.  There should be some willingness to work something out from LSR and so far this has not been the case.

  2) I have been requesting a call back from a supervisor and have not received anything. I do not have a missed call/voicemail from anyone at LSR.  

  3) The preferred resolution is to break the contract and have the overages reduced to a reasonable amount.  I am not happy with the service thus far and feel locking me in to a 5 year contract is unreasonable.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention to our attention. We apologize for your concern or confusion. Your concern has been in regard to disputing the additional $850 billed for extra pickups/bulk items. Our drivers took pictures for each pickup if that is needed. Attached are the photos with dates and charges for the extra pickups and we have attached photos for the extra pickups, which per our policies, come with the additional fees. We understand that circumstances arise and that if you are experiencing financial hardship, you may complete a hardship form at your village hall. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding, and if you have any further questions or need additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

  
  

  Sincerely,

  ******* *******

  ******* ******* Specialist Marketing ***************** Rosemont,  IL  60018

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/24/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  I canceled my trash service with *** in September 2024 I was stated that I would receive a refund within two weeks. I did not receive refund so I called back the end of November beginning of December. I was informed that there was an issue and they missed my account on sending a refund and it would be sent out within that day so because of the holiday, I gave it some time. And I waited until February to call that is when I spoke to ****** from ***, who stated that she would escalate this again to her manager as this was overlooked again. I stated that this was my third time calling and I should not have to call this many times for a I asked for her supervisor and managers name. She stated that her supervisor is ****** and the manager is *****. I waited another week Still nothing no call no check in the mail. No nothing so I called LRS again and thats when I talked to ***** who stated there was no notes from when I called nothing was done with the account so I asked to talk to ****** the supervisor. I was placedon hold once she came back on. She stayed at ****** to talk to me, I was transferred to Kentons phone below, and behold he did not answer I was sent to his voicemail. So I called back after leaving a voicemail and I spoke to ****** and asked to talk to ******, that is why ****** informed me that this wastaken care of two weeks ago, but when I called two other times, I was informed from the front office staff that this was overlooked and have not reviewed it. He stated that he sent it to his account group and they were working on it but if that was the case, it wouldve came back that the card that was originally on file was no longer active so they shouldve called and when I spoke to them back in September, stated that they wouldnt mail me a check and I stated that the check needed to be mailed. They dont seem to want to do a refund for customers or answer complaints.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/10/2025

  Were sorry for the delays and frustration youve experienced in the refund process. After further research, we found that the refund check for $177.36 was issued on 2/28 and should arrive soon if it hasnt already. Please let us know if you have any questions or further concernswere here to help.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/11/2025

   
  Complaint: 22983373
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I still have not received my refund and this company should be held responsible for not paying the refund until I sent a message to the BBB. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/19/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  March 2024 a check for $5,039.17 was put in LRS envelope and mailed to them, They also received March's payment $300.83 and that was applied as it should have been to our account. Instead of sending the check that DIDN'T HAVE THEIR NAME ON IT back to us or forwarding it to the rightful owner of the check (********************) they deposited it and put the $ on our account as a credit. We have been pursuant in trying to get our money returned to us. Being a business to business, this should have been resolved quickly as we pay our bills on time every month. They were not sending us ******** as they explained because we have a CREDIT on our account. I have had to ask for each month as I need to account for the cost for each month. It has been a nightmare and a run around every month and with each person I am handed off to. What horrible business practice and all I get is that it was sent to us, but If anyone cashes a check that is not theirs, that is a criminal offense! why would this be any different. They are just waiting for the money to run out at this point is what I feel. We will be pursuing legal charges as they have confirmed that they know that they deposited a check that wasn't theirs and refused to return it when it was asked to be. I would NOT do business with this company with this type of moral business practices.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/11/2025

  We know how important accurate payment processing is, and were truly sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. A refund check for the remaining credit of $2,000.96 was approved and sent on January 30, 2025. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/13/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ************************** **** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/13/2025

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Service was canceled over a year ago when we moved into new home. Company keeps billing me for service which another company provides (waste management). Contacted service provider on 25 September 2024 for bill received and talked to ******* (********) and *** (*******) got runaround about it from both agents. Contacted hq at ************. Got nothing but voice mail. Still havent picked up cart and just now received another bill.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/24/2025

  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. After further research, we found the account has been suspended since March 11, 2024. While we do not have a record of a cancellation request before that date, we can retroactively cancel the account as of March 11th. This leaves a remaining balance of $66 for services provided in January and February 2024. Please contact us by phone at your earliest convenience. Our customer service team is available to help with payment processing and the next steps for container removal.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/03/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  I belong to an HOA with 22 other members. We used Johnson County Refuse for our garbage/recycling weekly pickup. The business was recently bought by ***************. We cancelled our business with ***, effective January 1, 2025, and changed to *************** pickup. *** was to collect all their containers after January 1st. This has not happened. Our president ***** ****** and his board have contacted *** numerous times to get this done. All they need to do is give us a date and all condo owners will put the containers on the curb. We can get no action from them. We are being ignored. Is there anything you can do to assist us?Thank you.**** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 02/24/2025

  We appreciate your patience while we processed the work order and updated routing with a driver to complete this task. The container has been successfully removed. Please let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/25/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *****

  All containers were finally picked up from our HOA on Saturday, February 15th. Thank you for your assistance in getting *** to do as they had promised. They were 6 weeks late but now it has been accomplished. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/03/2025

  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.

  They are trying force customers to enroll in auto-pay to avoid and additional $9.95 charge. Not by offering a discount, which make it optional, but by charging more if you don't. I'm pretty sure that they can't do this.From their billing update notice: "Note: A $9.95 Manual Payment Fee applies to customers not enrolled in autopay. Avoid this fee by enrolling in our autopay program."There is nothing "manual" about paperless billing and paying online through my bank which is the way I've always done it. I am NOT COMFORTABLE with them having my credit card or banking information or paying extra if they don't. This seems blatantly illegal and any money collected by them through this needs to be refunded to the customers!Thank you for your help!

  Business Response

  Date: 02/05/2025

  We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our manual payment fee. Please note that this fee is not a discount notification but a standard business practice. *** provided advance notice about the fee and offered options to avoid it. If you have any questions about your account or would like assistance finding more affordable trash service options, our representatives are here to help. You may also request to opt out of the manual processing fee. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email for further assistance.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/07/2025

   
  Complaint: 22889547
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Let me just address this point by point.  To begin with, this is certainly NOT a standard business practice, at least not with ethical businesses.  Standard business practice is to offer a discount for enrolling in autopay, not to impose a penalty for not turning over my financial information to you which I am not comfortable doing.  And as far as "options to avoid it", the only option was to do exactly that!  I won't use the "ext_ _ _ _ _ _" word here, but it certainly starts to smell like it.  And as for "assistance finding more affordable trash service options", believe me, I'm already on it.  In any case, at this point, I wouldn't trust any assistance offered by you anyway.  You've shown your true nature.  Please, for your own sake, try to remember that we're not all stupid.
  
  Sincerely (and thanks for nothing),
  
  ****** ********

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2025

  We appreciate the customer's feedback and want to ensure they have the support they need. Weve extended an offer to assist with their opt-out option and encourage them to contact us by phone or emailwere happy to help guide them through the next steps.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/31/2025

  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.

  The following is the **** complaint made. The issue is still unresolved as of today's date 01/31/25. "The following was a 3rd attempt to resolve an issue sent to contact us for LRS Recycling, *************************************, (They say the record phone calls for quality assurance purposes this is one of those purposes) on April 1 2024 I was charged a $150 subscription. As of today 10 Jan 25 they show on the invoice that they corrected the invoice however no credit was applied to the account nor refunded to me. December 31, 2024 BLUF: Written response requested for the immediate removal of an unauthorized subscription charge with confirmation of resolution. Good Morning LRS, I am contacting you for the third time regarding the issue of a new service added to my bill in the summer of 2024, labeled as a subscription to the yard waste program. I did not opt into this service, and LRS is not an authorized user on any of my debit accounts or cards. This charge is therefore unauthorized and violates the Consumer Protection Act of 2010. I have previously contacted your company twice by phone and was assured that the issue would be resolved. However, it has not been addressed. This is my final request for you to correct this issue. Failure to do so will leave me with no choice but to file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority overseeing your business. Please promptly credit my account for the amount charged, as previously agreed, and provide a written response confirming the resolution of this matter. I regret the need to escalate this matter, but your unkept promises and the fraudulent charge leave me no other option. I hope we can resolve this issue swiftly and move forward. Thank you, ****** S. *******"These actions are Illegal. I have no option to choose another provider to protect myself from such fraud because they are the sole trash service for my community. All the evidence is in their invoices and phone records. Invoice number: WA2064810

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2025

  We sincerely apologize for the billing error and any frustration this may have caused. After reviewing your account, we confirm that the $150 subscription charge has been fully adjusted, and no balance is owed to LRS. We appreciate your patience while we worked to correct this issue. If you require any further clarification or have additional concerns, please dont hesitate to contact us by phone or email. We appreciate your business and are happy to assist you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/14/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me with objections.

  There now reflects a credit on the account. If any issued arise with using said credits I will be sure to reference this case. As they have been charging me the last two quarters even though the credit supposedly existed. If i find the credit is unredeemable, I will file another complaint. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/29/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  I ordered a dumpster to be delivered to *************************************************************, In on May 30th 2024 to be delivered on June 3, 2024. I was called by their dispatcher asking where to place the dumpster and I told them in the street in front of the house and then they told me that there was an additional charge to do that so I cancelled the order and asked to have my money returned. I had to prepay with my debit card. I've called every month since the 3rd of June and was told several times that the refund was being processed and it supposed to be marked "urgent" but i haven't received it. I sent a demand letter on 1-13-2025 giving them 10 days to return my money, as of today I haven't received . I did receive a phone call from their local office and was told it was being processed and should be in the mail and that was approximately 1-16-2925. I think 8 months is far to long to get my refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/10/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to follow up with you regarding billing for the dumpster service. After further research, the refund check for $485.00 was issued on 12/30/2024 and mailed to the address on file used to set up the dumpster service. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please dont hesitate to contact us by phone or email. Were happy to help!

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/21/2025

  Type:Order 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.

  *** took over the business from ******** which had taken over the business from Garbage Man over the course of a couple years. We originally signed up with ***********. We did not enter into any agreement with ***, but they did pick up our trash for several months until we found a suitable provider. Our new provider handled the termination of service with ***. We subsequently received a bill for $76.31 which included a fee to pick up each container plus mileage cost for each container. They picked up both containers at the same time but charged for two separate trips. At no time did we sign any agreement with *** and were not made aware of their charges to pick up their own containers. This cost represents a cost equal to two and one half months of regular service. I called LRS to see if a compromise could be reached but was rudely rejected. I filed a complaint with the *******************'s who wrote a letter to *** but they have no legal means of enforcement and LRS was uncooperative. Subsequently I sent *** a letter offering to pay one half of the charge and noted that if that was not acceptable then they should consider my letter a formal dispute. At no time has *** responded to us in any way except to send another bill with a late charge. I want to resolve this but feel their charges are unwarranted and possibly illegal.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/03/2025

  We apologize for any inconvenience regarding your service cancellation and associated charges. To clarify, *** responded to the Attorney General's complaint on November 29th, and a representative from the ************************* reviewed our response on December 2nd. We understand that *** provided service to the residence for several months until a new provider was found. 
  
  When a third party arranges service termination, customers may not receive full details on the cancellation process or any applicable container removal fees. For transparency, charges are based on the number of containers, not the number of trips. Customers can pay for removal fees by phone or request an invoice. Since the customer confirms that the containers were removed and the invoice was received, the charges remain valid and are due upon receipt. Our representatives are available to assist with processing a payment at **************. Please contact us with any questions.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/04/2025

   
  Complaint: 22825141
  .
  I am rejecting this response because: I never agreed to their terms.  I never signed an agreement with them.  I don't believe just because they say I owe them for a service they provided for themselves that I am obligated to pay this bill.  I have already tried to reason with them and i even offered to pay for one half of the service, but they lack any kind of customer service.  They are a business that no one should be subjected to.  If they persist in failing to act in good faith, I will take whatever legal action is available to me. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to address the customers concerns. We received a signed letter from the account holder regarding cancellation and container removal for August 31st.  In the letter, the customer requested that we not call or write them about their request. We added the customer to the do-not-contact list, closed their account, and removed the containers. After receipt of the September invoice, the customer contacted us to discuss container removal fees on October 11th, at this time, we shared with the customer an alternative option to bring containers to our facility and not incur a removal fee. Our statement on container removal fees is available online here *************************************************** can enter their zip code and find our statement under Residential Waste Collection: When canceling service with LRS, a cart removal fee will apply to cover the costs associated with retrieving and processing your containers. This statement is public and accessible to current, prospective,and departing customers. For these reasons, we cannot offer to waive the fees. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/13/2025

   
  Complaint: 22825141
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the containers that they are charging me to pick up were not requested by me, but the company required me to use them.  Not for my benefit, but for their benefit.  Using their containers made their job of picking up trash easier and more cost effective.  I did not request them.  I had my own containers that I could have used, but those containers wouldn't have complied with their requirements.  They picked up their own containers.  This has nothing to do with me.  I didn't rent them.  I didn't ask for them.  I was required to use them.  If they want their containers back...fine...pick them up.  But the audacity of charging more than $75 for them to get their own equipment is beyond the pale.  They have no right to do this.  Just because they say it's their policy doesn't make it right.  I have offered to settle this with them and to date they have not once communicated with me.  This is an example of a poorly run, short sighted, greedy business that thinks just because they say they can do something...they will try to do it.  I believe that they can't.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******