Missed Collections On The Rise

Trash and recycling contractor Red River's service has been spotty since the beginning of its contract in 2018. Some neighbors haven't had problems. Some neighbors regularly have problems. Poor service has led to "call center fatigue" and residents not reporting misses, and getting accustomed to late pickup. But the long term attrition of CDL drivers to better jobs, COVID vacancies, and Red River's bankruptcy have made the whole system collapse the last month or two. While the City tries to untangle the mess of a failed contractor, some residents who have never had pickup problems find themselves in the mess.

The 311 Call Center is overwhelmed. We usually suggest using the City's 311 website to report misses. But... the website seems to be crashing, too. You can email the following address to make a report: 311@cityoffortwayne.org.

Don't vent frustrations at City employees. They are coping the best they can.

Got some extra space in your bin? Offer it up to a neighbor in need.