News release about Shreveport's ongoing trash pickup issues

Workers load plant clippings  in 2008.

The city news release posted below didn't get much play last week. But I thought it would be good to post it as just another increment in this ongoing story. (Think plan to buy new garbage trucks.)

Shreveport sent this out July 13:

The City’s Solid Waste Division is asking citizens for patience and understanding as crews work diligently to get back on schedule for regular weekly collections.

“Baring any unforeseen occurrences or situations, we will be back on schedule after Wednesday, July 14, 2010,” says Public Works Superintendent Fred Williams.  “We are still providing once a week collection, except in some areas we have come a day or two late and we apologize.”

Plagued by mechanical problems, Williams explains that a reduced number of operating solid waste vehicles has significantly impacted weekly collections.  “We have been operating with 36 to 38 sanitation vehicles instead of the 47 that are needed to finish our daily/weekly routes.” 

Additionally, last week, sanitation crews worked a holiday (4th of July) schedule.  They were off Monday and worked Tuesday through Friday without the benefit of a non-collection day to catch up and go back to those areas that were missed.   

“We are asking the citizens of Shreveport to be patient with us as we get back to and continue to provide the level of service that they expect.”

For questions of further information contact:  Fred Williams, Superintendent, Office of Public Works, Solid Waste Division @ (318) 673.6300