Update: Weekly recycling pick-ups, which were due to return on Monday, will be postponed again, at least in some areas of New Orleans, according to city officials.
After a 4-month hiatus, on January 3rd, street recycling was scheduled to resume in Service Area 1, comprising the Upstream Region, Mid-City and Algiers. But officials said Monday that COVID-19 and staffing shortages delayed solid waste collection across the city last Thursday, causing workers to catch up over the holiday weekend.
According to a City of New Orleans statement, “COVID-19 has had a severe impact on solid waste collection throughout the city, with more than 30% of drivers unable to work, and scheduled New Year’s Eve collections. is delayed.” “Given these severe resource constraints and to allow our crews to catch up, curb recycling has been postponed for a week and will resume next Monday, January 10.”
On the other hand, there are no plans yet to return recycling to Service Area 2. Service Area 2 covers the lower neighborhoods, Lakeview, Gentilly, and areas east of the Industrial Canal.
Recycling collection has already resumed in the French Quarter and the city’s downtown development, taking place every Tuesday.
The city service area contracts with two different providers. Richard’s Disposal covers Service Area 1 and Metro Service Group covers Service Area 2.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration plans to re-tender for the Metro Services Group’s contract in the first quarter of 2022, with a release Tuesday saying recycling will resume once a new contractor is in place. says.
Garbage and recycling pickups have long been unreliable in most areas of New Orleans, but problems flared up in late August after Hurricane Ida hit the city.
For weeks, sometimes months, residents went without picking up trash and recycling. As roadside piles increased and the stench doubled, the city asked residents to carry their own garbage, and a parade was held in protest.
After Ida, the city announced that both contractors would temporarily stop recycling and reduce garbage collection to once a week instead of twice. The weekly garbage collection policy will continue to be enforced.
According to the city, residents must use city-issued recycling “carts” for street pick-ups, and can request new carts by calling 311.
The following items are eligible for curbside pickup.
- Plastic #1 (soda and water bottles)
- Plastic #2 (milk, juice, shampoo, detergent containers)
- Newspapers, spam, phone directories, catalogs, office paper
- cardboard
- Box board (cereal box and soft drink box)
- small aluminum and steel cans
According to the city, recyclable items should not be placed in plastic bags. additional items You can drop off at the city’s recycling drop-off on Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
