Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste Pickup Delays Possible In Arlington

Arlington VA

08 June, 2022

8:39 AM

Description

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County is warning residents that residential trash, recycling and organics service may get delayed due to its contractor dealing with staff shortages and truck maintenance problems. Residents who do not receive their weekly trash, recycling and yard waste service should file a report online. If carts are not emptied on pickup day, residents should leave them at the curb until a crew returns, Arlington County said in an email to residents last Friday. Recycling and trash crews generally start catching up the following morning, but organics misses are not typically collected until the following afternoon, the county said. ARLnow reported Tuesday that the county told residents in the email that its contractor for trash pickup, American Disposal Services, is "dealing with a jobs market that strongly favors indoor work amid early record heat." Plus, there's a commercial driver shortage in the industry. Supply chain issues are affecting maintenance of current trucks and arrival dates for new ones. "This is a challenge that many jurisdictions are facing, regionally and nationally," Arlington County said. The county said the county's trash, recycling and yard waste contractors serve about 6,500 households per day, or nearly 20,000 carts daily. Along with the curbside pickup, large amounts of cardboard, paper, and metal cans can be dropped-off at recycling sites around Arlington. Household hazardous materials and electronics can be dropped off at 31st Street South. Brush and limbs are collected curbside by request. Residents can also consider reducing organic waste by grasscycling, which leaves the cut blades of grass on the lawn as an easy fertilizer. The county also encouraged residents to take advantage of Waste and Recycling Workers Week to thank their Arlington County trash collectors for their service. The week of June 13-18 is Waste and Recycling Workers Week. "It helps to remember that the people working the collection trucks aren't in it for the glamour. A friendly wave, thumbs-up or even a note of thanks taped to a cart is always appreciated," Arlington County said.