SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The prevailing staffing shortage in the Public Works Department has impacted trash and recycling pickup in Portland.

The City has been struggling to fill vacancies across various departments, especially the public works department. As on date, 242 jobs remained unfilled, despite the city announcing referral incentives and signing bonuses. In the public works department, 17 out of the 60 maintenance positions are currently open. It must be noted that maintenance workers are responsible for collecting trash and recycling.

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The City of Portland has entered into a contract with Casella Waste Systems for trash removal since 2020. The company runs one of the three trash routes five days a week. The operations of all divisions have been badly impacted due to staffing shortages, which has grown worse with the winter weather, noted Mike Murray, Director, Public Works Department.

The City website is being flooded with numerous complaints from residents regarding discarded recycling bins.

The Department has been hiring temporary workers to help with trash and recycling collections, who are paid overtime wages for duty time exceeding eight hours a day. However, they cannot be put for work for more than 16 consecutive hours.