Reading Trash Delays Attributed To COVID Surge

READING, MA — Reading residents should expect delays in trash pickup as the town's contractor grapples with staffing shortages.

The contractor, JRM, has several employees out sick with COVID-19, according to a statement from the town.

"Please be patient as we get through the next few weeks," the statement read in part. "If your rubbish or recycling has not been picked up, please just leave it out and JRM will get to it as soon as they can."

The town says Christmas tree pickup will continue on residents' regular trash pickup day, the week of Jan. 10-14.

All decorations, including tinsel, must be removed from the trees. Trees in plastic bags or trees not completely cleaned of this material will not be picked up or accepted at the compost area.

Residents may also take their trees to the compost area on Strout Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.