For Peter Miele, waste management isn’t just a business, it’s a family tradition. As the fourth generation in his family to work in the sanitation industry, Miele recently relaunched the family business under the name P. Miele and Son Contracting Services, reviving a company that has deep roots in the Teaneck community.
Originally founded by his great-grandfather in 1926, Miele Sanitation is once again offering personalized trash pickup and junk removal services, with a strong focus on community, reliability and pride in service.
“My great-grandfather called Teaneck home in 1924 and started the business two years later,” Miele shared with The Jewish Link. “He lived in the same house I live in now. That sense of legacy means a lot to me.”
Miele, 31, grew up immersed in Teaneck. His father worked in the sanitation business and later for the board of education. After high school, Miele started his own painting company, staying close to the town he loved. But the call to return to the family business never left.
“It takes time to build a garbage company,” Miele shared. “It took about 18 months to get through all the state approvals. But when I started hearing from people who remembered my family — who told me how much they respected what we used to do — that’s what inspired me to bring it back.”
Unlike many towns where trash pickup is covered by municipal services, Teaneck requires homeowners to select and pay for private sanitation services. For years, the area was served mostly by larger companies. With Miele Sanitation back in business, residents now have a more personal community-based option.
“We’re bringing the mom-and-pop spirit back to the neighborhood,” Miele continued. “People want to know who’s serving them, not just a company name or a generic truck driving by. When your trash guy is also your neighbor, it makes a difference. It means we care about the streets we’re driving down, the houses we’re stopping at.”
That personal touch is at the heart of P. Miele and Son Contracting Services. The company offers weekly trash pickup, as well as clean outs and junk removal for both residential and commercial clients. Pricing is upfront and transparent, with no hidden fees. For commercial clients, the company provides 96-gallon cans to accommodate larger waste needs.
“At the end of the day, people just want to know their trash is going to be picked up on time and taken care of properly,” Miele continued. “It might not be the flashiest job, but it’s one of the most important. We take a lot of pride in doing it right.”
Beyond reliability and competitive pricing, what sets Miele Sanitation apart is the strong connection to the Teaneck community.
“I live here, I work here, and I serve here,” Miele shared. “My goal is simple: make Teaneck a priority and help keep our town clean. This isn’t just where I do business; it’s where my friends and family live, where I grew up. That kind of connection drives me to go above and beyond. When the town looks good, we all feel good, and I want to do my part to make that happen.”
In addition to waste pickup, Miele Sanitation is also focused on environmental responsibility and community beautification. Miele hopes to work on neighborhood clean-up efforts and other eco-conscious initiatives in the near future. “We’re not just picking up trash — we’re contributing to the quality of life here,” Miele continued. “It’s about showing up consistently and helping people feel proud of where they live.”
Miele Sanitation serves customers throughout Bergen County and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers value the reliability, fast service and knowing they can speak directly with the owner, someone who truly cares about their experience.
When asked what he loves most about Teaneck, Miele didn’t hesitate. “The diversity. The way we come together as a community. We’re strong — and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Miele went on to say. “Teaneck has always been a place where people from different backgrounds look out for one another. There’s a real sense of unity here, and that inspires me every day to give back in whatever way I can.”
For those looking for a reliable, community-driven sanitation provider, P. Miele and Son Contracting Services is currently accepting new clients for weekly trash pickup, junk removal, and commercial services. To learn more or sign up, visit mielecontracting.com or call (201) 91-MIELE (64353).
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
