BALTIMORE — Employees refusing to show up for work has led to to delays in trash collections for some area neighborhoods.
As WMAR-2 News has reported, the Eastside Sanitation Yard was recently closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
After suspending operations, DPW officials began mobilizing other sanitation crews within the Bureau of Solid Waste.
“These other employees had been on permission leave (not working, but being paid) for weeks with the understanding that they would support core operations, if and when needed,” officials said in a news release last week.
Officials said the delays are “completely unacceptable and pose an additional threat to public health. These workers are considered essential and must report to work.”
Despite promises for trash collection to resume residents say their garbage cans remain full.
"My regular trash pickup is Friday," said Luke Ketter. "I saw one truck roll through here 45 minutes ago. "I yelled at at it as I was standing on my steps. I said 'Hey man, what about my trash?' They looked at me and just went on down the street. You can see my trash can is still full."
Ketter along with other people who live on Lawnview Avenue said they called 311 and were promised trash pickup over the weekend.
"What are we supposed to do with the trash," asked Patricia Wheeler. "It can't keep building up. It’s going to draw rats."
WMAR-2 News reached out to DPW to see when people can see a return to normal pickup.
In a statement to WMAR-2 News a spokesperson said:
Please note that DPW is taking the following steps to address the outstanding trash collections:
- We are assessing alternative means for immediate trash and recycling collections to get all back on schedule.
- We have received volunteers from DOT, DGS, and Recreation and Parks and are seeking volunteers from DPW’s Water Bureau.
- We are also actively seeking to bring some contract help on as well as eligible young adults.
