DPW says it may suspend citywide trash collections Wednesday due to high temperatures
Agency reacts following the death of a sanitation worker, saying it is “proactively planning to adjust operations ahead of predicted high temperatures”
Above: Ronald Silver II died from heat exhaustion while working on a sanitation truck earlier this month. (Brew file photo)
In a surprise announcement, Baltimore’s Department of Public Works (DPW) says it is “preparing for a possible pause” in trash pickups and recycling operations tomorrow (August 28) to protect the health of sanitation workers.
DPW says trash crews will start work early on Wednesday and will be pulled from their routes if conditions become unsafe, according to a press release issued shortly before 3 p.m. today.
“The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, August 28, warning that the heat index could climb to over 96 degrees. . . Weather conditions will be closely monitored, and crews will be pulled from their routes if conditions become unsafe.”
A heat advisory will be in effect in the Baltimore-Washington area between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow, with a heat index value expected at 105-109°F.
The decision to suspend service for at least a day – temperatures are expected to cool off on Thursday – comes in the wake of the recent death of a 36-year-old sanitation worker from heat exhaustion and two critical reports by Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming describing unhealthy and dangerous working conditions at DPW sanitation yards.
“As extreme temperatures continue to challenge our solid waste operations, this update to our procedures is a crucial step in protecting our frontline crews,” said Acting Director Khalil Zaied, who came under intense criticism at a City Council hearing last week.
DPW says that residents with a scheduled Wednesday pickup should put out their trash or recycling tonight because of anticipated early collections.
If operations are suspended, DPW says it will resume collection “on the next optimal business day.”
Residents are asked to “stay tuned” to DPW’s Twitter and other social media sites for updates.
“Our dedicated sanitation workers face significant risks, especially during extreme heat, and it’s our responsibility to prioritize their safety,” Zaied said in the press release.
“By proactively planning to adjust operations ahead of predicted high temperatures, we’re taking a necessary step to safeguard their health and well-being.”