BALTIMORE — On January 19, Baltimore will restart collection of curbside recycling from homes of city residents.
Recycling had been halted since late August 2020, due to the pandemic.
The city plans on picking up right where they left off, by collecting on the same days as before.
Although officials acknowledge it might take some time for crews to get completely re-adjusted, new technology has been implemented in hopes of better tracking their progress.
“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.”
The RUBICON system reportedly includes electronic route sheets, pre and post-trip inspections, scale tickets, and route details.
Once recycling pickup officially begins again, community Collection Centers will remain open, but only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through February 13.
To help with staffing shortages, seasonal aides have been converted to full-time city workers.
“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.”
DPW has also partnered with small waste hauling companies and city-based organizations that operate job-training programs to connect hard-to-employ residents with work opportunities.
Recycling can be set out for collection in any type of container, except for plastic bags. If you'd like a reusable bag that for inside the home, you can pick one up at any Community Collection Center through January 16.
