Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on January 14, 2021

Wednesday Jan 13th, 2021

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 13, 2021) Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is prepared to resume weekly residential recycling collections on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

"I have been clear that restoring recycling services, a core basic function of City government, is a top priority. At the same time, we have had to be extremely thoughtful to keep our DPW employees and contractors safe, while ensuring we can sustainably keep this service up and running. I've initiated weekly RecycleStat meetings to monitor recycling and trash pickup and ensure residents get the services they deserve," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Only 15% of our population recycles. I want Baltimore to use the restart of services to dramatically increase that number as we work to divert recycling from our landfills and build a more environmentally sustainable City."

Get Ready to Recycle

As the City's recycling services prepare to resume on January 19, DPW reminds residents:

Residents are encouraged to visit https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/recycling-services for information on recycling services, and locations and hours of operation.

DPW to Employ Digitized Collection Routes

Further, the Bureau of Solid Waste has implemented RUBICONSmartCity routing software that digitizes trash and recycling routes, allowing collection crews to cover routes more effectively.

The RUBICON system digitizes existing operations including electronic route sheets, pre/post-trip inspections, scale tickets, and route details.

"The implementation of RUBICONSmartCity technology provides Solid Waste drivers with turn-by-turn information," said Matthew W. Garbark, Acting Director of the Department of Public Works. "This new technology is especially beneficial to new drivers servicing unfamiliar neighborhoods."

Community Collection Centers to Continue Through February

As recycling collections resume on a weekly basis, DPW will continue to operate Community Collection Centers in each of the 14 City Council Districts two days a week through the month of February.

Nearly six months ago on August 31, 2020, DPW suspended curbside recycling service due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Department's Bureau of Solid Waste workforce. To continue to provide City residents with recycling opportunities, DPW created and opened recycling Collection Centers in each of the City's Council Districts.

"These temporary Community Collection Centers have been popular amongst residents during the suspension of recycling services and DPW appreciates the efforts residents have taken to continue to recycle during this time," continued Mayor Scott.

Beginning Wednesday, January 20, the community Collection Centers will begin to operate on a modified schedule, opening only two days per week: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Collection Centers will continue to operate through February 27, 2021. Members of the public are encouraged to note that recycling items left at Collection Centers after hours will be considered illegal dumping.

For information on locations and hours of operation for the recycling Community Collection Centers, please visit: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/recyclecenters.

Beginning January 19, the five permanent Citizens' Convenience Centers will close at 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

Supporting Our Solid Waste Workers

As DPW continues to focus on managing the collection of curbside recycling, to strengthen its existing workforce, the Bureau of Solid Waste seasonal maintenance aides (temporary positions) have been converted to full-time City employment. These workers have received a pay increase, in addition to benefits.

"Seasonal maintenance aides play a vital role in weekly trash and recycling collections," Mayor Scott said."Converting our seasonal employees to full time proves a win for everyone as DPW has more support for recycling services and as these employees receive the secure wages and needed benefits they deserve, especially during this public health emergency."

In November 2020, the Board of Estimates approved DPW's request to better compensate laborers and CDL drivers.

Forming Partnerships

To help fill the ranks of essential workers in the Department's Bureau of Solid Waste workforce, DPW has partnered with small waste hauling companies and City-based organizations that operate job-training programs to connect hard-to-employ residents with opportunities.

Goode Companies Inc. and Spindler Refuse Service Inc. are currently servicing 1-2 mixed refuse routes per day, while Living Classrooms Foundation Inc. and Roca Inc. are providing laborers to work with DPW crews on routes. DPW is currently coordinating opportunities with additional organizations for staffing options.

This press release was produced by the City of Baltimore. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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Mayor Scott Announces The Restart Of Weekly Curbside Recycling On Tuesday, January 19 - Patch.com

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