Riverside announced it will launch an emergency trash pickup service to help residents.
The City said it has taken this step because the backlog of trash pickup services has reached a critical level.
Ward 3 Councilman Steven Robillard recognized the problem in his office statement and expressed optimism about the adopted solutions.
"I want to acknowledge the frustration many of the residents of the City of Riverside have felt regarding our trash services, and I want to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration many of you have faced with our trash services. I understand how disruptive and challenging this situation has been, and I am truly sorry for the difficulties it has caused.
I'm thrilled that in today's City Council meeting, we decided to partner with Athens Trash Services to supplement our City's trash services." Robillard said, "This collaboration aims to expedite service, help get our waste management system back on track swiftly, and facilitate the implementation of long-term solutions. This partnership will take effect immediately. I am looking forward to the positive outcome of this partnership. I want to express my gratitude to our city staff for their relentless efforts in managing this challenging situation. I also deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we have worked towards a resolution."
The City's solid waste contract with Athens Services will allow private haulers to pick up waste on several routes that city crews would otherwise miss.
Athens Services already provides services in areas not handled by city crews and will start pickup on Thursday.
The City said trash cans left at the curb could attract insects and other vermin without regular pickups, impacting scheduled street sweeping services.
The recent heat wave has made the problem worse. The City said eight trucks broke down in late August and were sidelined by 107-degree temperatures. The trucks could not be refueled, and some reached temperatures of 120 degrees in the truck cabs.
The City said crews have been working overtime to pick up delayed routes, but the backlog has reached a critical level.
"Our job is to deliver essential public services, and this action ensures we will be able to do that." Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson said, "We must pick up trash for public health reasons and our residents' safety. Riversiders expect and deserve timely service from their city."
The City said ten new trucks are expected to arrive by March 2025. The emergency declaration may be reviewed at the end of the year, but it is likely to remain in place for at least six months.
City Council set to consider a 23-unit affordable housing project in La Sierra, a 24-station electric vehicle charging hub at the Riverside Airport, and the $2.4 million purchase of electric trucks for its fleet.
City Council does not meet this week. Potentially stricter rules for industrial development near neighborhoods and a review of the City’s homelessness outreach and cleanup spending are on committee and commission agendas this week.
