Ward 4 Trash and Recycling Update
Dear Neighbors,
More than two weeks after the winter storm, too many neighbors are still feeling the impact on city services, most of all trash and recycling collection. While our community was told by DPW that service has returned to a regular schedule, for far too many households, that has not happened. Amid these frustrating gaps in service, I want to share an update about trash and recycling collection in our community: what we know, what we're doing to advocate for neighbors, and how we can improve service moving forward.
Over the past few weeks, my office has received hundreds of calls, emails, and 311 reports from neighbors who are still experiencing missed or inconsistent collection. These issues are occurring across the District, with several neighborhoods in Ward 4 highly affected. I want to be clear: the lack of responsiveness from the Department of Public Works is unacceptable.
I have been in direct contact with executive and DPW leadership to push for immediate action. My office has continued to provide detailed lists of missed collections reported by residents. While some progress has been made, responses have been uneven and communication has not met the standard our community deserves.
Based on conversations with city leadership, here are the steps being taken right now:
- City officials have acknowledged the scope of the problem and identified areas with the most severe disruptions.
- Approximately 80 seasonal workers previously assigned to leaf collection are being reassigned to support trash and recycling pickup. Residents may see collection occurring with non-dump trucks as crews work to reduce the backlog.
- The District is also exploring the use of private haulers to help stabilize service and clear outstanding collections.
DPW staff have been working around the clock while facing significant staffing challenges, and I am grateful for their continued efforts. While we recognize the strain on the agency, these challenges cannot excuse weeks without basic sanitation services. Trash and recycling collection is a core city function, and it is up to executive and DPW leadership to deliver it without requiring repeated calls and emails from neighbors.
As performance oversight hearings continue, I will be pressing DPW leadership on preparedness, coordination, and accountability so we are better equipped in the future. I also encourage you to share your voice by submitting testimony for the hearing record and sharing your experiences.
I know that trust erodes when timelines are missed and the delivery of basic services falls short. My office will continue pressing for accountability and will share updates as they become available. Please continue to submit 311 requests and contact my office directly—your reports matter, they inform our advocacy, and they strengthen our push for resolution.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my team over the last few weeks. We will not let up until this issue is fully addressed and service is reliably restored.
Yours in community,
—Janeese
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