While we would all like to be celebrating Earth Day today, I am concerned with our City’s poor trash collection and the performance of our vendor Waste Management Company.

As many residents are aware, there has been an ongoing issue with trash collection in all neighborhoods of our City for months. Entire streets are not being serviced, and most recently, yard waste has been sitting curbside for weeks.

I would like to reassure my constituents that I share your concerns and frustration. I am working with senior executives at the company and have asked for a comprehensive plan to address their staffing challenges and to return their performance to an acceptable standard.

I remain committed to working with the City administration, DPW Director and my Council colleagues to hold our vendor accountable. I would like to thank all of our residents who have reported missed streets and neglected pickups through the City’s 311 system and by reaching out to me personally. For example, from April 8, 2021 to April 22, 2021 for the 311 system alone, 148 of the total of 514 complaints received were for missed trash pickups. These records are important and will be tabulated for use by the Council during its ongoing contract review.

Trash pickup and waste management is a basic City service that must be completed efficiently and reliably. Please continue with your calls so we may address this genuine public health and safety issue head on so as to avert a growing rodent and infestation crisis if left unchecked. As we observe Earth Day today, let us remember the importance of being good stewards of our environment and good neighbors in this beautiful City we call home.

Jo-Ann Ryan
Majority Leader, Providence City Council
Councilwoman, Ward 5