Nearly 22-years-old and Smith’s Disposal and Recycling, Inc. is still going strong.

“We’ve survived other companies selling out,” said co-owner Ken Smith. “We’re the only large independent company left in the northern area.”

Service by the 33 employees on staff centers around residential trash pickup and recycling pickup — targeting its efforts in the northern Oakland County region including Springfield, Independence, Waterford and Brandon townships as well as small portions of Orion and Groveland townships.

“We try our best to give the best service out there for the cheapest price,” Smith said, adding the company is distinguished by its family-oriented service.

“I think it’s the individual part of being family-owned and operated, being able to give the personal touch.”

Smith, his mother Doris and his sister Carol Evans all share ownership. The company’s longtime owner, Leonard H. Smith, Ken’s father, passed away four years ago.

As for the staff, Smith said, “Most of our employees have worked here for 10 or more years. It’s always hard to find good employees, but we’ve been able to come up with some pretty good ones over time.”

Originally, the Smith family owned Clarkston Farm and Supply for more than 20 years.

During that time, Ken also worked the summers driving an extra garbage truck for Ben Powell Disposal on Clarkston Road.

“Our business was getting slow because fuel purchase was going down with the increase purchase of gas out here,” he said.

The Powell family, who ran their business for 30 years, discussed selling, which led to the Smith’s acquisition of the company and relocation.

“And here we are almost 22 years later,” Smith said.

Smith’s Disposal is also involved in many aspects of community life, including membership with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce and the Clarkston Area Optimist Club.

For several years, the company has been a significant sponsor of the Clarkston High School Senior All-Night Party as well as made monetary donations to the Mt. Zion Church raffle, Optimist Club raffle and the Independence Township Fire Department.

The company sponsors Little League baseball teams in Clarkston and Waterford as well.

Smith’s Disposal and Recycling, Inc. is located at 5750 Terex, just off of Andersonville Road, in Clarkston. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 248-625-5470 for more information.