Recycling Delayed For Weeks in SW Baltimore
A stinky situation is brewing in neighborhoods across the city as trash and recycling delays wear on.
In southeast Baltimore, neighbors say they’ve been waiting weeks for recycling pick up.
In Patterson Park neighbors are asking when will city trucks come?
Friday, the Department of Public Works website listed 35 routes where recycling wasn’t picked up because of a staff shortage.
Five other areas have trash delays. DPW says it’s all from circumstances beyond their control.
“It’s disgusting. It’s terrible back there. Rats,” says Kelly Eick who lives in the neighborhood.
"I’m just trying to get these torn up boxes inside and kinda tucked in and make it neater out here,” says neighbor Jordan Daff.
The city has come by picking up the trash, but recycling is a different story.
“They’re not collecting recycling in our neighborhood,” Daff says.
Recycling is usually picked up Tuesdays in Patterson Park.
"It’s gotta be at least two or three weeks,” Eick says. And nothing’s been picked up. “They’re all full,” she says.
On its website, DPW says this:
"Baltimore City, like other large cities such as Philadelphia, is facing challenges with trash and recycling collections due to COVID-19, weather-related challenges, and other circumstances beyond its control.
DPW is currently evaluating options to improve solid waste collections using external resources while trying to manage the situation at hand.
Updates on trash and recycling collection will be provided to residents when it’s known."
“I just hope they collect it,” Daff says. “I’m tired of all this.”
“Just add it to the pile of stuff we’re all dealing with,” Eick says. “It’s just a weird time to be alive honestly."
Fox45 asked DPW for an interview Friday, but did not hear back.
The department has said they will be bringing outside crews in to help with trash and recycling pick up. They’ve got two separate contractors scheduled, but they’re not going to start until September and October.
Residents can report delays by calling 311.