Montclair Recycling Halted Due To COVID ‘Staffing Shortages’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Department of Community Services (DCS) is seeing a “significant decrease” in its workforce due to the coronavirus, and it will mean some temporary changes for local residents, officials announced Wednesday.

Montclair officials released the following advisory:

“The DCS is seeing a significant decrease in its workforce due to COVID-19, even with substantial protective and social distancing measures in place since March 2020 – this includes employees testing positive and those who were exposed to the virus. Required quarantining for both groups will impact staffing levels for several weeks.”

Due to the “unprecedented impact on staffing,” the following collection schedules will be implemented effective Friday, Feb. 26, officials said:

• Curbside recycling collection will be temporarily suspended until further notice.
• Recycling drop-off at the community services yard (219 North Fullerton Avenue) will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow residents an opportunity to dispose of their accumulating recyclables
• The existing refuse collection schedule will continue without interruption
• All other nonessential DCS operations and activities will be temporarily suspended until further notice to allow all available personnel to assist with refuse collection operations

“Recycling and refuse left curbside on Wednesday, February 24 and on Thursday, February 25 will be collected, however, given staffing levels, crews may not be able to complete pick-ups on those days,” Montclair town officials said.

“If your refuse or recycling is not picked up on either day, please leave it at the curb and it will be collected on or before Saturday, February 27,” officials added.

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