The City of Irving recently announced its plan to reinstate twice-weekly trash collection services, a return to the pre-pandemic schedule, effective December. The decision to revert to the original service model comes after a year of adaptive changes made in response to the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, the city adjusted its trash collection services, modifying the frequency and crews to manage the surge in refuse volume and workforce shortages. Unlike the previous twice-per-week trash collection system that utilized two-person crews, the new model will employ three-person crews. Each crew will consist of one driver holding a commercial driver’s license and two additional workers. This operational change aims to address the manual workload involved in providing twice-weekly trash collection services to residents.
To tackle the workforce shortage, the city implemented various measures. Wage increases were offered to solid waste collection employees, making these positions more attractive and ensuring staff retention. Additionally, recruitment and retention incentive pay were introduced. The city also adjusted routes, streamlining the collection process, and established new collection guidelines to ease the manual labor required for each team.
These adaptations have not only ensured uninterrupted and efficient solid waste services but also underscore the city's commitment to the well-being of its dedicated collection employees. Irving residents can now anticipate reliable, sustainable, and worker-friendly waste management services as the city continues to adapt and evolve in the face of changing circumstances.
