COVID-19 Cases Affect Trash Pickup In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Birmingham residents who may wonder why their garbage was not picked up recently are not alone, as multiple COVID-19 infections have caused the city's sanitation department to be short-handed.

The City of Birmingham reports that 10 percent of Department of Public Works employees have been affected by COVID-19.

"Over the last few weeks, the absences of DPW workers have affected the city’s ability to collect household trash in a timely fashion in some parts of the city," a statement from the city said Wednesday. "As a city, we are sorry to see this virus affect our employees and their families, and we are hoping for a full recovery for them."

A spokesperson for the city said it has pulled in crews throughout the city to cover areas when routes have been affected due to the virus. To counter the shortage of workers, the city looks to hire more workers to assist with trash pickup.

"This week, we are in the process of hiring temporary workers to assist with trash collection, and we have promoted several laborers to refuse collector positions," the city said. "Starting Saturday, Aug. 14, we will increase the starting salary for refuse collectors from $12.97 to $15.02. Employees are eligible for paid vacation, paid holidays and health insurance."

On Friday, Aug. 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21, the city will host agility skills tests for those who have applied to be refuse collectors. The physical tests will take place at the Birmingham Crossplex.

To apply and to learn more information about the job, people may visit www.birminghamal.gov/workforbham.