Solid Waste Management trucks resumed recycling collection in Montrose after weeks of delays.
HOUSTON — One day after KHOU 11 highlighted the Hyde Park neighborhood on the west side of Montrose as suffering a lack of recycling collection for several weeks, Solid Waste Management trucks were spotted Wednesday emptying the green bins that lined the streets.
“We’re thrilled, very happy to have our bins back and empty indeed,” Kristin Schlinkert told KHOU 11.
Schlinkert and her husband Roy said their bin has sat outside their home for about four weeks, prompting them and neighbors to find workarounds while they waited.
“We’ve been putting some in the neighbors because they don’t always fill theirs up,” Schlinkert said.
Other neighbors said the current delays are not what they’re used to.
“We’ve lived here for about three years, and I’ve never really seen the delays like this,” one resident said.
The delays spiked to a fever pitch this month with 7,412 requests for service for missed recycling pickups submitted to 311 so far. That’s compared to 3,081 requests submitted in May and 1,638 in April.
Residents said the current delay has left them skeptical about future service.
“I’m not very optimistic, but I’m hopeful,” Schlinkert said.
Officials have told KHOU 11 that several factors have led to the current delay, including the impact of holidays, maintenance needed for Solid Waste trucks and a new interim director implementing new systems.
But for the former SWM director, Mark Wilfalk, this exact scenario has been expected.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t surprise me,” Wilfalk said in an interview.
Wilfalk told KHOU 11 the issues of understaffing, deferred maintenance and a lack of funding have spanned across several administrations. He hopes that changes to avoid delay spikes like the current one.
“Solid waste has to become more of a priority for the city of Houston in order to resolve some of the issues that they’re experiencing now,” Wilfalk said.
KHOU 11 reached out to Solid Waste Management to interview interim director Larius Hassen but were told he is not available for interviews.
A spokesperson for Mayor John Whitmire’s office sent a statement that read:
“I’m pleased with the new Solid Waste Management Department Director. He is taking steps to eliminate the recycling backlog and address other issues. He is installing systems and taking steps that will improve the recycling schedule, and Houstonians will notice improved services in garbage and recycling soon.
“I have asked Director Larius Hassen to provide a comprehensive report to Houston City Council next Wednesday about issues he has uncovered in the department and his future plans for improvement.
“His commitment to transparency is a step toward keeping my administration and Houstonians informed. I am glad that I changed department directors.”