CENTRAL ILLINOIS – (25 News) – Trash collection was put on hold after this week’s winter storm. Now, crews are working to get the job done with a few added difficulties.
Crews with K&T disposal were back out picking up trash in Metamora Saturday morning.
Crew member Rick Witty said it’s tough trying to get back into a rhythm.
He says to stay safe, they dress warm, watch for other cars, and get most trash as possible, if it’s easy to get it out of the snow.
“Wind blowing snow, snow blowing… it can be difficult out here,” Witty said.
“Some of them, if it’s too bad, we bypass them because it’s not worth getting stuck. It costs money to get pulled out by a tow truck. We can always come back.”
East Peoria crews were also working to get caught up with around 9,000 homes.
Dan Decker, commissioner of East Peoria’s Public Works and Street Department, said the transfer station where they dump the trash was closed Wednesday, putting them a day behind schedule.
Decker said a couple of trucks got stuck in the snow, which slowed the pickup process even more.
Decker said one way residents can help crews is by recycling more.
“In times like this, it just drives down the cost of solid waste pickup when recycling costs are less money than garbage,” Decker said.
Decker also asks residents to separate their trash cans as far as possible and clear out the area so it’s easier for crews to pick it up.
He said he expects crews to be back on schedule Monday.
