PIQUA — Beginning this week, First Choice Waste Removal customers will be picked up by Rumpke Waste & Recycling.

The Piqua-based waste hauler has sold certain waste collection assets to fellow family-owned company Rumpke, including its residential and commercial customers.

“I’ve enjoyed providing our friends and neighbors with reliable waste collection,” said Bryan Pence, owner of First Choice Waste Removal. “I’ve appreciated the support the community has shown me as I grew my business. I’m confident that I’m leaving my customers in good hands with Rumpke and they will continue to receive a high level of service.”

Rumpke, which is headquartered in Cincinnati and has regional operations in Greenville, started servicing First Choice customers on Tuesday.

“It’s our goal that customers don’t notice a change in the level of service,” said Noel Moomey, region manager, Rumpke. “We’ve been working very closely with Bryan to make this a smooth transition for everyone,”

Moomey added that rates and service days will initially remain unchanged, and customers will soon receive a mailer from First Choice and Rumpke explaining additional details of the transition. In the meantime, if customers have questions, they can contact Rumpke at 1-800-828-8171.

“There may be a need to change a few customers service days in the coming weeks as we integrate with our existing routes in Miami and Shelby counties,” Moomey said. “We will notify those impacted individuals directly.”