Hot temperatures impacting residents' trash pickup

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- As a service specialist for the City of Raleigh, Gregory Green spends most of his day collecting garbage outside.

"You're out there, and the concrete is hot, the trucks are hot," Green said.

Tuesday got so hot, Raleigh's Solid Waste Services Department had to suspend trash, recycling and yard waste collection. So did Fayetteville.

And due to the heat, the City of Durham is collecting garbage one hour earlier during the summer months at 6 a.m.

With more scorching temperatures in the forecast, its possible trash service will be suspended again this summer.

Due to the delays, some Raleigh residents are getting their garbage picked up a day late.

Crews were working to catch up Wednesday. Raleigh's Assistant Director of Solid Waste Services, Andrew Martin, is asking residents for patience.

"If we're normally there to pick up your can don't worry," Martin said. "Leave it out at the curb. We will be out there to get it. Just understand that it's hot and we're doing everything in a cautionary measure to make sure our employees are safe."

The City brings employees indoors once the heat index reaches 105 degrees to avoid heat-related injuries and illnesses.

"It has been hot but at the end of the day we have a job to do," Green said. "It's important that we do our job and uphold the standard of the city of Raleigh. At the same time, we have to look out for each other."

One way Green and other employees are looking out for each other is by making sure everyone drinks plenty of ice, cold liquids.

"Just keep your body replenished with lots of fluids, take your breaks," Green said.