Contractors’ staff shortages cause delays in curbside trash pickup

May 18, 2021

Because of staff shortages for contracted trash haulers, Richland County residents might see delays in curbside pickup of garbage and yard waste.

The County contracts with several businesses to provide trash collection, and those businesses service different areas. Because of the continued ripple effect of the COVID-19 health crisis, delays are possible anywhere.

“We are working with each of the four companies currently contracted to provide service in an attempt to alleviate the problems we are now facing,” said John Ansell, general manager for Richland County’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division (SW&R).

SW&R is tracking collection routes and coordinating efforts to ensure residents’ waste management needs are addressed. SW&R is also working closely with the haulers to address residents’ concerns.

“We have a commitment to serve each citizen completely and fairly in accordance with our solid waste ordinance, and we do take that commitment seriously,” Ansell said.

In addition to curbside collection, residents are reminded the County offers multiple drop-off locations. People dropping off trash at these locations should note:

  • The Clemson Road drop-off site only accepts recycling materials. The site is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily except for Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • The Lower Richland Drop-off Center accepts bulk items, metal, construction debris, electronics, waste tires, latex paint and recycling materials. Updated hours for the site are: 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The site is closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • The County’s C&D Landfill accepts the same materials as Lower Richland. It operates 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Residents should call the County Ombudsman’s Office at 803-929-6000 with questions.