New Orleans missed trash pickup complaints have dropped significantly, data shows

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) — New Orleans contractors could be getting better at picking up your trash.

City 311 data shows a steep drop-off in requests about missed trash pickups from 2023 to 2026.

• 2023: 11,193
• 2024: 5,556
• 2025: 2,768
• 2026 YTD: 1,971

New Orleans Director of Sanitation Matt Torri said the aftermath of Hurricane Ida drove the city’s sanitation workforce away, causing issues.

“They left for places that did have power, and that was devastating. We didn’t have the actual people to perform the work,” he said.

Torri pointed to new personnel and equipment requirements in new contracts in recent years.

“Real-time GPS, route management software, 360-degree view cameras, and dispatch capabilities for each of the contractors. That really allows them to efficiently complete their collections, but also ensure that all collections that are scheduled for current day are completed,” he said.

Sidney Torres, IV owns IV Waste, which services a large section of the city.

He also points to the camera systems on trucks, which allows for greater compliance oversight on his team.

“We put it up on the flat screen, and we coach them on being careful if a can is behind a car or if a can is up against the house. We teach them exactly what to do so it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Both Torri and Torres said the recently passed sanitation fee increase will not impact missed trash pickup statistics.

That money will reduce the city’s subsidization of the already existing service.

The contractors Waste Pro and Richard’s Disposal also service the city.

Waste Pro sent Fox 8 a statement reading in part:

“Waste Pro has worked closely with City staff to implement the enhanced service expectations established through the City’s most recent solid waste contract process while continuing to identify additional opportunities for improvement.”

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