Robbinsdale Announces June 25 Yard Waste Pickup

Robbinsdale Yard Waste Pickup Now Scheduled for June 25

The city of Robbinsdale has announced it will coordinate with Waste Management to hold a one-time citywide pick up of yard waste on Saturday, June 25. 

Waste Management points to a driver shortage for ongoing yard waste pickup issues. Around 100 people dropped off yard waste at a city collection point on Tuesday.

At the council meeting on Tuesday night, one council member warned that yard waste collection might be a problem going into July and even August.

“It’s not something we are taking lightly at all,” said Pat Backen, council member for Ward 4. “I don’t think this is going to end at the end of June. I think it will go into July. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it was August.”

Council members and city staff said they heard from numerous residents who were upset and frustrated over the situation. Many have suggested solutions.

“There have been a lot of good suggestions and I want the people who are making those suggestions to know that I can’t think of a suggestion that’s come up that we aren’t considering,” said council member George Selman, who represents Ward 3. “Every single thing that residents are bringing up, we have been looking at. It’s nice we are working toward the same goal. It’s taken a painfully long time.”

Robbinsdale City Manager Tim Sandvik says yard waste has been a topic that people are asking a lot of questions and staff is working through what they can. Sandvik says the process has “a lot of moving pieces.”

On Wednesday, the city sent out a notification that they would be working with Waste Management to arrange pickup.

Residents dropped off yard waste at a city collection point.

FULL EMAIL UPDATE FROM THE CITY: 

Last Saturday’s (June 18) yard waste service, or the lack thereof, was a debacle, to put it nicely. The City of Robbinsdale, including Councilmembers and staff, have a much higher level of expectation of our contracted haulers – Waste Management, and “frustration” only begins to describe the current sentiment.

On June 25, Waste Management will begin a city-wide yard waste collection in coordination with City staff. This process may run into early next week, as a number of drivers will be required to pick-up and drop-off accumulated yard waste. Resident’s skepticism is warranted as we realize trust in this service needs to be built back up.

This is a one-time collection, and the City will work to find a more permanent solution in the coming weeks. Until we are able to confirm updated services, at which time we will share with the residents, residents should not expect yard waste pick up on their regular collection days.

The City will continue to offer a temporary drop-site, and hours will be updated weekly on social media and the City website.

We realize this messaging will not hit everyone, due to the short notice. City staff will work to call back all residents who have expressed not having access to social media in conversations with our team – but, if you are able to share this info with your neighbor, it is greatly appreciated.

Again, Councilmembers and City staff are hearing loud and clear that current service is not acceptable – we agree, and will continue to work on long term solutions to these problems. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Robbinsdale