Residents report citywide recycling delays; Super Neighborhood Alliance suggests briefing from Solid Waste interim director

Residents and neighborhood representatives told the Super Neighborhood Alliance that curbside recycling and yard-waste pickups have been delayed citywide, and several speakers urged the Alliance to invite the interim director of Solid Waste to explain the service interruptions.

Harold Eaton, president of Super Neighborhood 31, asked whether the recycling failures he observed were limited to his area or more widespread. Cheryl O'Brien reported pattern delays in her neighborhood: “We've consistently been picked up 1 day late... We were supposed to be picked up on Thursday... this last time we got picked up on the following Monday.” Members said residents are filing 3-1-1 complaints and using the HTX Collects app, which reports delays and understaffing on some routes.

Stacy (member) relayed information from Solid Waste management: routes working on Fridays had put crews a week behind, and weather or holidays can worsen delays. She recommended that the Alliance invite the interim director of Solid Waste to present a plan through the end of the year so neighborhood leaders know what to tell constituents.

Jack (member) connected the operational delays to the city's budget decisions, reporting that raises for police and fire had reduced available funds for other departments, including solid waste: “when they gave the raises to the police and fire, it took money away from the other departments... every other department's getting less funds this year, including solid waste.”

Members advised residents to continue filing 3-1-1 reports and suggested the Alliance request a departmental briefing to clarify staffing, route adjustments and an expected timeline for returning to regular service levels.