ROBBINSDALE, Minn. — Residents in communities across the metro were notified this week that Waste Management was pausing yard waste pickup due to a driver shortage.
The cities of Stillwater, Robbinsdale, Columbia Heights, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, St. Anthony and St. Paul are all experiencing service interruptions, though other areas may also be impacted.
The service interruption comes in the wake of several recent major storms that led to an influx of yard waste and debris in cities and towns across the state.
In a statement, Julie Ketchum with Waste Management said "the impacts we are experiencing in the St. Paul/Minneapolis metro area are greater than we ever anticipated but are only impacting our ability to provide seasonal service for yard waste in some cities in the north metro."
At this point, "resumption of service is indeterminate" and WM will reimburse residents for the service.
Ketchum continued that WM is taking steps to fill in the gaps caused by the CDL driver shortage, like signing bonuses for hard-to-fill permanent jobs, wage increases for full-time and temp workers and targeted hiring events across the country.
Robbinsdale city leaders are feeling the heat from residents.
"Waste Management notified us of no more yard waste pickup pursuant to the contract, and the Internet blew up with people that they are paying for this service and they are mad they are paying and it's not being done," Robbinsdale Mayor Bill Blonigan told KARE.
He said the city will set up a temporary drop-off site starting Monday, June 6 at the city's public works shed at 4601 Toledo Ave North.
"Waste management said they are trying to have a time in June when they can have one week of yard pickup service, but as far as permanent go back to the contract and your obligations situation they've not given us an indication as to when that can occur."
In Minnesota since 1990 it has been illegal to put yard waste in household garbage. That's why some counties have set up drop-off sites that can be used by residents of those counties.
Click here for a list of locations where residents can drop off yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves and branches.
Ramsey County operates seven yard waste collection sites. Click here for a full list. Ramsey County and Washington County have a reciprocal agreement, allowing residents of both counties to use four of those sites, but don't be surprised if you're asked for ID.
St. Paul addressed the issue Friday afternoon saying WM will not be collecting yard waste at least through the end of June.
According to city officials: "WM has informed the City that they will be adding extra staff to recover the missed collections. The City has asked the other garbage haulers in the St Paul Haulers Consortium to fulfill WM's collection obligations. WM yard waste customers should leave their yard waste carts and bags at their regular collection point. Please do not put anything in the street."
The update further stated: "Saint Paul Public Works is documenting reported collection misses and is exercising all the options under the contract to hold WM accountable to the agreement they have made with the City, including monetary penalties against the company. We will also be asking WM to provide credit(s) for all missed collection(s). Please contact WM at 763-784-8349 with any collection questions. After you contact WM, residents can also report missed collections and complaints."
The City of Robbinsdale posted this update on its city Facebook page late Friday afternoon:
Yard Waste Update (6/3/22): The City is in the process of securing roll-off dumpsters that will temporarily be available for yard waste dumping next week. Starting noon on Monday, yard waste drop-off will be available to Robbinsdale residents at our Public Works facility located at 4601 Toledo Ave North.
We expect to provide the service on Monday (June 6, noon – 7pm), Wednesday (June 8, 7am – 7pm) and Friday (June 10, 7am – 7pm). This will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as the bins have the potential to fill. In order to be eligible, residents will be required to bring a photo ID with a Robbinsdale address, or a photo ID with a name corelating to a recent bill with a Robbinsdale address. We recognize that this will not immediately satisfy all concerns regarding yard waste, but will hopefully alleviate some issues residents are facing.
As was shared yesterday, residents will not be charged for Yard Waste pick-ups that have been missed.
Please note, this is a short-term, temporary solution. The City appreciates your continued patience and understanding as we work towards a long-term solution.
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