Newark public works director asks council for dozens of hires, new equipment and tech to curb illegal dumping

Newark Department of Public Works Director Tyrique Rolon told the City Council at a May 13 special meeting that the department needs substantially more staff and equipment to keep pace with the city’s growth and to reduce recurring service failures.

Rolon said the administration has approved hiring 55 workers (20 laborers and 35 drivers) who are in the last phase of onboarding and that DPW officials are asking in total to add dozens more personnel across divisions — including additional CDL drivers, laborers and mechanics — as well as replacement and supplemental street sweepers and other equipment.

The request comes after Rolon described an older fleet (average vehicle age about 13 years), increased illegal dumping and a larger service area. "We are responsible for about 60,000 households," Rolon said, noting the department’s data were based on 2021 figures. He said illegal dumping has risen roughly 11 percent year over year in his key performance indicators.

Why it matters: trash and recycling operations are the city service residents encounter most often; gaps in pickup and enforcement have visible public-health and quality-of-life consequences and drive repeated complaints to council members.

Most important details

- Staffing requests and approvals: Rolon said the administration has authorized 55 new hires…