Injuries on Ice Could Prompt New Trash Collection Policy

Ridgewood public works and sanitation officials are proposing changes to the policy on waste and recycling collections after several employees were reportedly injured working during recent winter storms.

Two members of the sanitation staff received medical attention for their injuries after slipping on ice after a storm in December, Acting Village Manager Heather Mailander said last week.

The ordinance expected to be taken up by the village council Wednesday would allow the village manager, supervisor of sanitation or director of public works to declare hazardous collection conditions during weather events or other issues that could potentially put staff at risk.

In the event of such conditions, collections could be suspended on all or part of a route until the next scheduled collection date, according to a draft of the ordinance.

There are currently no provisions in the municipal code for suspending trash pickup, though during the early January storm the village suspended backyard trash collections and asked residents to bring bins to the curb.

No members of the council expressed opposition to the policy when it was proposed last week.

“I think it’s probably a worthwhile ordinance to adopt in light of our recent injuries to employees,” Mailander said.