What's Causing Delays In Malden's Trash, Yard Waste Pickup

MALDEN, MA — Malden residents may have noticed delays in the city's trash, recycling and yard waste collection.

That's largely due to resource shortages at dumping facilities around the state, meaning trucks have been behind in disposing of their loads throughout the day, city officials said after meeting with contractor JRM.

Officials said in some cases, trucks have waited in line for several hours to dump their trash, an operation that typically takes under an hour round trip.

Earlier this week, the city announced that it would add another week of yard waste collection before the service is halted for the winter. Residents should set out their yard waste on their regular trash day, but expect delays in collection due to increased volume.

What can residents do?

• Sign up for the trash notification system at cityofmalden.org/trash to receive up-to-the-minute updates on what's going on for any given day or collection.

• For yard waste, leave it on the curb, as JRM will eventually get to it this week. It may be several days late - but it will be collected.

• For trash and recycling, keep it on the sidewalk and ensure that everything is properly contained in city-issued trash and recycling carts, as well as any overflow containers, to prevent trash from sitting on the street.

• Residents may also bring yard waste to the DPW Yard, 356 Commercial Street, Monday through Friday 8 AM-4 PM and Saturday 8 AM-12 Noon.