The smell of garbage didn't stop residents from voicing quality-of-life concerns. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.

Some Queens residents tell NY1 that a stinky situation in their neighborhood is ruining their quality of life.

On Saturday, advocates, religious leaders, and politicians hosted a prayer vigil, as a form of protest, to draw attention to the actions of several waste and recycling businesses along Douglas Avenue in Jamaica.

"I would always say to my husband, what is that odor that's emanating from this area?" said St. Albans resident Andrea Scarborough. 

Neighbors tell NY1 that companies like Royal Waste Services are behind the strong stench and believe the companies are also contributing to environmental pollution in the area. 

"When you have the clustering of transfer stations, you literally have thousands of diesel burning trucks coming in and out of these communities every week," said Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance.

City Councilman Daneek Miller said that waste is disproportionately sent through Southeast Queens.

A City Council bill, first proposed about three years ago, would reduce how much waste can be processed in any given community, but still hasn’t passed. 

It's been a controversial proposal, but Miller said it's needed in his district. 

"We should not be responsible for so much garbage here," said Miller. 

Many advocates said Royal Waste is just one example of a much larger issue. 

Representatives from Royal Waste explained that they're located in an industrial area designed for the kind of work they do.

A spokesperson for Royal Waste added "Royal Waste is tremendously invested in the well-being and vitality of the community that we call home. We operate a facility according to all regulations set forth by city, state and federal regulators. We pride ourselves on continuously raising and improving our safety and environmental standards." 

Residents said they will continue to voice their concerns.