Title
Bulk Trash Collection Delay Update
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee an update on the Public Works Solid Waste Division's efforts to address bulk trash collection delays within the City of Phoenix.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
Report
Summary
Residential bulk trash collection is experiencing delays due to staffing challenges and this year's more active monsoon season. The Public Works Department is taking several measures to address these delays and communicate with impacted residents.
Public Works is currently at a 20% vacancy rate for Solid Waste Equipment Operators (SWEO) and is working aggressively to recruit, hire and onboard staff. As a result of a recent hiring event, in conjunction with the Human Resources Department, 26 SWEOs were hired and are in various stages of the onboarding and training process. Additionally, the SWEO Apprentice Program has also expanded with seven additional apprentices currently in the onboarding process. These new hires will provide much needed support to get back on schedule with bulk trash collection. Interviews to fill additional vacancies took place on Oct. 15, 2022. Public Works is also working to institute a retention incentive for SWEOs to reduce turnover.
While working diligently to fill these positions, Public Works staff are also working additional hours, including weekends, to collect the bulk trash from residences as soon as possible. With the focused efforts to reduce the vacancy rate and onboard new SWEOs, Public Works staff adjusted the fourth quarter collection for customers within Bulk Trash Areas 8 through 13, which also impacted the upcoming 2023 collection schedule. These adjustments will restore the defined and predictable bulk trash collection schedule for the City's solid waste utility customers beginning Nov. 21, 2022.
Public Works staff are working diligently to communicate the service delays to residents through various outlets. A revised 2021-2022 and 2023 bulk trash schedule has been produced to account for the service delays and provide residents with information on when to place out their materials. The updated bulk trash schedule is live on the phoenix.gov website and is included in the October PAYS with the city services bill. Staff have also worked with the Communications Office to provide updates on social media channels regarding the delays until bulk trash service is caught up. Public Works staff will continue to work with the City Council offices to address constituent concerns in a timely manner.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Public Works Department