This week, after having to suspend operations at our Eastside Sanitation Yard (Bowleys Lane) to protect workers from the continuing spread of COVID-19, we began mobilizing other sanitation crews within the Bureau of Solid Waste. These other employees had been on permission leave (not working, but being paid) for weeks with the understanding that they would support core operations, if and when needed.

Unfortunately, some employees have refused to report to work, as required. This failure to report has led to significant delays in trash collections. Such delays are completely unacceptable and pose an additional threat to public health. These workers are considered essential and must report to work.

As a result of these issues, the Department of Public Works is taking the immediate actions:

• All permission leave for Solid Waste workers is revoked and workers must return to work immediately. Failure to report will result in job abandonment.
• Anticipating that some employees may not return to work, an aggressive recruitment campaign is underway to hire laborers and Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) drivers to fill positions.

The Department needs employees willing to commit to serving the City. Anyone having a CDL or who is interested in working for the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Solid Waste, Sanitation Department, can call 410-396-3330.