Houston solid waste says it needs newer vehicles and more staff to help with recycling delays

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you drive around different neighborhoods in Houston, you might come across recycling bins sitting on the curb waiting to be picked up.

Houston Solid Waste Management acknowledged delays. The department said recycling pickup delays are about three to five days long right now. However, one woman told ABC13 that she's waiting much longer than that.

Kimberly Wolf lives in southeast Houston. She said her recycling items have grown from inside her bin to a pile in her garage.

"I have this recycling that's been waiting to get picked up for about two weeks," Wolf said. "Plastic recyclables, cans, yogurt cups, things like that that just sit here."

Wolf said she's been waiting nearly two weeks for Solid Waste to come by. Before that, she mentioned an even longer delay.

"Right after the holiday of 4th of July, they picked up after two months of pretty much not picking up the recycling," Wolf said.

According to 311 call center data, problems with the solid waste department generate the most complaints in the city. Of the more than 53,000 open cases on Tuesday, a vast majority of them are solid waste issues. 311 data shows that missed recycling pickups is the number one call in the past three months, at nearly 15,000 complaints.

When it comes to tracking how long a delay will be, Solid Waste said it uses a performance management system to track completed routes. However, the department said some residents may experience delays due to holidays like 4th of July, when recycling service was canceled.

Solid Waste said delays are mainly due to a shortage of available vehicles and personnel. The department says nearly half of its fleet is out of service.

"Many of our current trucks are more than seven years old and have logged over 150,000 miles. These aging vehicles frequently experience breakdowns due to hydraulic leaks, electrical failures, and other mechanical issues. Rodents have also damaged critical wiring, a problem made worse by the lack of operational truck wash bays that would otherwise help maintain sanitary conditions," Solid Waste Management director Larius Hassen said.

There's a chance Solid Waste could get more money for equipment. On Wednesday, Houston City Council will consider a $12 million investment to purchase new vehicles.

When it comes to staffing, Solid Waste said it plans to post job openings in the coming weeks. Ultimately, Wolf hopes the pile in her garage will be gone soon.

"I'm trying to lessen my impact on the earth by trying to reduce, reuse, recycle," Wolf said.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire's Office said this issue is a priority for the mayor and that he is confident in the leadership of newly appointed Director Hassen.