A Week After the Blizzard, D.C. is Finally Getting Back on Track with Trash Collection and Free Salt!
It's been a tough week in Washington D.C. following a severe snowstorm that dumped over 6 inches of snow followed by a prolonged 10-hour sleet event. Many residents have been understandably frustrated with the lingering snow and ice, impacting daily life and services. But there's good news! Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city is making significant strides and will be resuming regular trash collection this weekend, along with distributing free salt to help tackle the icy conditions.
Trash Pickup is Back on the Schedule!
City officials have confirmed that home trash pickup will restart this weekend. The initial focus will be on households that typically have their garbage collected from the front of their homes. Mayor Bowser clarified, "If your household normally gets front side collection, we will begin to pick up your trash tomorrow. This weekend, we want to do the front side collections for Monday and Tuesday."
Catching Up on a Week's Worth of Trash
Due to the backlog, the city is about a week behind. This means that the trash collected on Monday will be for last Wednesday's pickup, and Tuesday's collection will cover last Thursday's. This staggered schedule will continue until the city is back on its regular, established routine. For those with alley pickups, the city plans to deploy Bobcat machinery to help retrieve garbage cans that may be snowed in or frozen.
Mayor Bowser's Perspective on a Historic Storm
Mayor Bowser shared an optimistic outlook on the city's snow and ice removal efforts, acknowledging the widespread complaints. She described this storm as one of the most challenging she's encountered in her three terms as mayor, noting the unique combination of heavy snow followed by hours of freezing sleet, which created an exceptionally icy coating on streets and sidewalks. She pointed out that the extreme cold temperatures, with no day reaching above freezing this week, have significantly hampered melting and removal efforts.
National Guard Joins the Effort
Adding to the city's resources, National Guard troops, who have been present in D.C. since the summer, are now assisting with snow and ice removal. Mayor Bowser mentioned that some personnel have been approved to help clear pathways for pedestrians accessing bus stops. Furthermore, the D.C. National Guard announced that its members will be helping to clear snow at D.C. public schools starting Saturday, at the request of the D.C. government.
A Challenging Week, But Progress is Being Made
When asked to grade the city's performance, Mayor Bowser deferred to the residents, stating it's up to them to decide. However, she highlighted the considerable efforts made, with 250 city plows and 130 contractors working since the storm began. She also noted that many downtown events, including the Washington D.C. Auto Show, have successfully proceeded, demonstrating the city's resilience.
How You Can Help and Get Help
Mayor Bowser is urging residents to take advantage of the upcoming week's sunlight and warmer temperatures to clear their own walkways and sidewalks. She encouraged neighbors to work together if they lack the necessary equipment. For qualifying residents aged 65 or older, the D.C. Department of Public Works offers a sidewalk shoveling exemption from fines. While city workers don't typically shovel private sidewalks, programs like the D.C. Snow Team Heroes are available to provide assistance.
Free Salt Distribution This Weekend!
To help residents combat the persistent ice, the city will be distributing free salt at five convenient locations this weekend. While advance sign-up is recommended, residents can bring their own bucket or bag to pick up salt during the following hours:
- 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Noon to 2 p.m.
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Distribution Sites:
- Deanwood Recreation Center (1350 49th Street NE)
- Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N Street SW)
- Kennedy Recreation Center (1401 7th St NW)
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE)
- Wilson Aquatic Center (4551 Fort Drive NW)
Here's where it gets interesting: While the city is providing resources, the enforcement of fines for uncleared sidewalks has been temporarily suspended. When do you think the city should reinstate these fines? Is it fair to expect residents to clear their sidewalks when the city itself is struggling with major thoroughfares? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
