Talking trash: Kimble says nationwide driver shortage causing delays for trash collection

Cassandra Nist, The Repository
·2 min read
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A Kimble Recycling & Disposable Inc. collection truck removes rubbish Wednesday along Rowland Avenue NE at 29th Street NE in Canton.
A Kimble Recycling & Disposable Inc. collection truck removes rubbish Wednesday along Rowland Avenue NE at 29th Street NE in Canton.

Kimble Recycling & Disposal Inc. notified Louisville resident Derek Faiello in mid-June that the company was running behind and would pick up his trash a day late.

He's still waiting.

More than two weeks after the first notification — and then being told it would be another week — his three trash and recycling cans were still sitting untouched Wednesday afternoon at the end of his driveway.

Faiello noted the trash cans and recycling had withstood the most intense hours of heat seen all year and he joked that he was excited for their future.

"Either way, I am here for them, supporting them, no matter what," he quipped.

Louisville resident Derek Faiello has waited two weeks for Kimble service his property.
Louisville resident Derek Faiello has waited two weeks for Kimble service his property.

Trashing the trash collector

Faiello is far from alone, as some people are taking to social media to trash their trash company. One person on Facebook posted a picture of skeleton sitting on a bench with the caption: "Me waiting on Kimble to pick up my trash."

Another wrote on the Kimble Facebook page: "Your last pickup at ours and our neighbor's was two weeks ago. You may want to review your mission statement. I'm sure you'll understand and forgive when I take the same attitude toward paying your invoice."

The city of North Canton even posted a message on its Facebook page asking Kimble customers to be patient.

"Please be advised that Kimble is experiencing delays in both trash and recycling services," the city wrote. "If your cans are not emptied on your scheduled service day, please leave them out for collection as Kimble continues to work to catch up to their regular schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

Trash containers were overflowing Wednesday along U.S. Route 62 in Canton.
Trash containers were overflowing Wednesday along U.S. Route 62 in Canton.

Kimble says it has been impacted by national driver shortage

The Dover-based company issued a statement Thursday, saying it has been affected by national driver and equipment shortages. The company held a job fair earlier this week in Canton, Dover and Twinsburg seeking workers.

Kimble also noted that it's dealing with new Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training requirements; increased volumes of residential trash and recycling; and an increase in the production time for new trucks.

"Kimble regrets the delay in service," Kimble marketing manager Courtney Daniels said. "We are diligently working to increase staffing levels to resume the on-time service that our customers deserve. Kimble appreciates the customer’s understanding and patience during this difficult time."

Daniels said residents can help by taking the following actions:

  • Try to place as much waste as possible in your container.

  • Break down large items to conserve space in your container.

  • Place your container in an open area away from parked cars, mailboxes, and other stationary objects.

  • Attempt to reduce your overall waste generation through recycling and donating gently used items.

Reach Cassandra Nist at cnist@gannett.com; 330-580-8338; Follow on Twitter @Cassienist

Kimble Press Release 6-30-22 by Cassie Nist on Scribd

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Kimble says nationwide driver shortage causing trash collection delays