Toledo trash quantity up almost 20% in 2020

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Hoffman Road Landfill Workers had already had a tough year grappling with the pandemic – and with everyone else staying home more than usual, it was their job to keep more trash from piling up.

“Due to COVID, we had absences, regardless of whether we were in quarantine [out of caution] or employees who actually had it, ”says Paul Rasmusson, director of public services for the city of Toledo. “In 2020 we brought in 198,500 tons … we haven’t had such a volume for over 20 years. It is also in line with the national trend – a 20% increase in household or municipal solid waste. “

That number includes what was being towed away from demolition sites across the city: “There was about 40,000 tons of demolition waste – and in 2020 we looked at demolition Land bank a tremendous amount of house demolition and a lot of cleanup. “

The city commissions the garbage collection Republic services. While the street carts are one-person vehicles, the bulk pickup requires two – not optimal for social distancing, although logs are still in place.

“Those [bulk items] are collected using the traditional packer or rear loader garbage truck with more than one person on their back, ”says Rasmusson. “Republic is very concerned and cautious about keeping its employees safe, just like us.”

Hoping 2021 will reduce the workload, Rasmusson thanks the plumbing workers for the often ungrateful work: “It was not an easy year for us at the landfill – being understaffed really represented its challenges – but the team has really adapted to this opportunity and we couldn’t be more proud of it. “

Copyright 2021 WTVG. All rights reserved.