Keith’s Sanitation will be sold

    For the first time in more than 30 years, the Clear Lake City Council found itself talking about someone other than Keith’s Sanitation to carry out the city’s garbage and recycling collection needs.
    Dennis Keith told the Council Monday night that he and his sister, Kathy Bartelt, along with their spouses, plan to sell the business to Absolute Waste Removal, owned by David Deinhart of Mason City.  Keith was asking the Council to assign the contract it has with the city to Absolute.  
    Sale of the business is pending, with a Nov. 1 switchover date expected, said Dennis Keith.  He and Kathy both plan to work with the new firm to assure a smooth transition.
    “It’s an emotional time for me and my family,” said Dennis, who parents, Larry and Lori Keith, started the business in 1972.  Dennis and Kathy took over operation of the business about 20 years ago.  When it became apparent the next generation did not wish to continue ownership of the business, Dennis said they began researching possible successors.
    “After a couple of years of research and talking with Dave Deinhart, we feel we have a good fit,” said Dennis.  “We wanted to sell to an experienced company who would keep things local.”
    Deinhart has 24 years experience in the waste removal business, including service in the communities of Garner, Grafton, Rockwell, to name a few.  Deinhart will operate its Clear Lake operation from the existing Keith’s Sanitation office and staff will be given an opportunity to stay on with the new firm.  Trucks and equipment were also part of the sale.
    “It has been a pleasure to work with the community this long,” said Dennis Keith.  “I have always like the outdoors and serving the community and this was one simple little thing I could do.”