The City of Cincinnati Department of Public Services has warned residents that trash collection was not performed this week on several routes throughout the city. An email obtained by WLWT and shared with the public detailed that a lack of available personnel forced the department to skip service in 13 neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods affected
The missed pickups impacted households in Columbia‑Tusculum, Hyde Park, Madisonville, Mt. Lookout, Mount Washington, Oakley, Walnut Hills, Westwood, Mt. Airy, College Hill, Winton Hills, South Fairmount and South Cumminsville. These areas represent a cross‑section of the city, from historic districts to newer residential zones.
Department response
In the email, the department wrote, “If your household was missed this week, your items will be collected on your next scheduled collection date. Please do not place your cart at the curb until next week’s collection beginning September 14. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.” The message emphasizes that the missed service is temporary and that crews will resume normal routes as soon as staffing levels allow.
Why the shortage exists
City officials attribute the shortfall to ongoing recruitment challenges that have affected many municipal services nationwide. The department has been working to fill open positions, but the hiring pipeline has not kept pace with turnover and retirements. While the city continues to offer competitive wages and benefits, the labor market remains tight, especially for skilled sanitation workers.
What residents can do
Residents who need to dispose of waste before the next scheduled pickup are encouraged to use alternative disposal options. The department’s website lists local drop‑off locations, recycling centers, and scheduled bulk‑item collection days. The email included a link to a page where citizens can view these opportunities and plan accordingly.
Looking ahead
The Department of Public Services says it is actively recruiting and will prioritize filling the most critical vacancies. City leadership has pledged to keep the public informed about staffing progress and any further service disruptions. In the meantime, the department asks for community patience and cooperation as it works to restore full service across all neighborhoods.
For updates on the staffing situation and future collection schedules, residents should monitor the city’s official communications channels, including the department’s website, social media pages, and email alerts.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
