Trash pickup, mail delivery: Outdoor workers take extreme measures to stay safe during heat wave
Intense heat has delayed trash collection along routes in Raleigh by approximately one day, according to the city’s interim director of solid waste services.
Solid waste crews were taken off collection routes on Tuesday and Wednesday after the heat index reached the crucial threshold of 105 degrees.
“At 105, we do a call out to all of our crews to come into the building to make sure that they’re safe and hydrated,” said Raleigh Interim Solid Waste Services Director Gregory Jenkins who notes the move is to keep employees who work outside safe.
He tells WRAL it takes crews roughly one to two days to remove trash along delayed routes once collections resume.
“When we get behind, we know exactly what day we’re on, what routes need to be taken care of, and then we move from there.”
City officials say people should keep their trash, recycling and yard waste bins on the curb until they are serviced. The city is not issuing fines. They also say bins should be placed out by 6 a.m. on collection day as crews will run routes earlier to combat the intense heat.
Residents can stay updated on any route modifications or changes via the city’s Raleigh Reuse app.
“Every worker needs to understand that if you’re working outside, you need to take steps to keep yourself safe from heat illness, rest, water and shade,” said North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.
Raleigh mail carrier Malik Barksdale has added moisture-wicking clothes to his uniform before running his letter route in Boylan Heights Wednesday.
“It’s brutal,” said Barksdale. “Once you step outside of the truck, after like five minutes, you’re soaking wet.”
Barksdale notes he can walk up to 12 miles during a delivery shift and some people along his route have offered him water during the heat wave.
A spokesperson for the United States Postal Service says the agency has expanded a national Heat Illness Prevention Program along with mandatory heat-related and safety training.