J.P. Mascaro & Sons Given​ Up To 45 Days To Solve Pickup Issues

WHITEMARSH, PA — Whitemarsh Township on Friday announced it's giving J.P. Mascaro & Sons 3o to 45 days to correct service issues that have frustrated residents and local officials throughout the pandemic.

On Friday, the township shared a letter its solicitor wrote to the waste removal company, imploring it to correct "unacceptable service from Mascaro regarding solid waste, recycling, and yard waste collections."

The letter went on to specify two areas of improvement for the company: first, asking the company to provide more supervision for its trucks and crews; and second, asking it to devote more resources to serve the entire community.

Pasquale "Pat" Mascaro responded to the city's calls for action both on Facebook and in a letter to the city.

On Facebook, Mascaro said the company's service has been interrupted by an increase in household waste, limited access to public transit, a minimized workforce and employees self-quarantining after testing positive for the new coronavirus.

Mascaro wrote that the company has spent $150,000 on protective equipment and $140,000 on prepared lunches to help protect employees from exposure to the new coronavirus over a six-week period. He said the company has also brought in crews from other divisions to work evenings, weekends and holidays in the township and hired contractors to help manage sanitization.

"Lastly, the mandated 'wearing of mask order' has created much 'concern' for our workers on the back of the trucks unable to perform the task necessary wearing a mask and actually fearing for their health," Mascaro added. "This reality has forced many employees to choose to stay at home and collect the government subsidy."

In his letter to the city, Mascaro apologized to city employees and officials who have borne the brunt of calls for service and complaints.

"...it is important that you be aware that we are expending significant resources to deal with the challenging situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, just as I am sure you are working diligently to deal with the challenges COVID-19 has brought to your municipal operations," he added.

In the release, the township said it's willing to give J.P. Mascaro & Sons 3o to 45 days to resolve issues. In the meantime, the township will continue to monitor the company's service and stay in contact with Mascaro.