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Advanced Disposal says recycling suspended after staff COVID cases; company aims to resume Aug. 17
Summary
Advanced Disposal told the Clay County Board that six simultaneous COVID‑19 cases removed about 20% of its local residential workforce, forcing a temporary suspension of curbside recycling; the company apologized for mixed messages and said it aims to resume service the week of Aug. 17 with a one‑week catch‑up plan.
Greg Huntington, representing Advanced Disposal, and Nathan Theas, the company’s Clay County general manager, told the Board of County Commissioners that recycling collection was suspended after six employees tested positive for COVID‑19 and contact tracing removed roughly 20% of the residential collection workforce.
"We had 6 positive, COVID cases," Theas said, and that staff losses were the principal reason the company suspended the recycling line of business rather than garbage or yard waste. Huntington apologized for earlier public messaging that said service would resume sooner and said the company had to extend its suspension to protect employee and resident safety.
Theas described the company’s recovery plan: when services resume, crews will prioritize catching up within about one week using compaction trucks and targeted collection procedures. He recommended residents store recyclables at home or transport them to county recycling centers (ECCs) until curbside service returns, and said the company is preparing protocols to manage separated versus commingled materials.
County staff told the board that Rosemary Hill recycling drop‑off containers have filled during recent weekends; staff added two 20‑yard containers and arranged extra pulls to handle volume. Theas said Advanced Disposal is also amplifying cleaning, staggered starts and hiring efforts and expects outside offices to be able to assist by the target restart date.
Commissioners pressed the company on timetables and communications after residents reported conflicting information. Theas acknowledged the company’s earlier target was optimistic and said resumption "should be August 17" with a one‑week catch‑up period. Staff and commissioners urged the company to provide a short public video or posted message explaining the plan.
The update closed with the board and company agreeing to continue coordination on overflow at drop‑off sites and on public communications.
The board did not vote on any policy change at the meeting; the discussion was an operational update from the contracted hauler.
