PIQUA — Rumpke Waste crews are hitting the road early this week to escape the hottest part of the day.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., Rumpke crews were out on the roads collecting trash at 6 a.m. Tuesday.
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For some trash truck drivers, that’s about an hour earlier than their typical 7 a.m. clock-in time, according to Molly Yeager, the Communications Manager for Rumpke.
“This week, it’s exceptionally hot,” Yeager said.
News Center 7’s Taylor Robertson followed a Rumpke driver on his route this morning in Piqua, before most of the neighborhood was even awake.
“We use both traditional rear-load compaction trucks, which the rear-load compaction truck would be where you see the driver gets in and out of the vehicle picking up trash,” Yeager said. “The automated truck, the driver doesn’t have to get in and out of the truck quite as frequently.”
Collecting trash can be a physical job, where crews are jumping in and out of the heat.
Yeager said that not all of their trucks have air conditioning.
Rumpke supplies Gatorade and ice for drivers to take before they head out.
During their shift, supervisors meet them along their route and check to make sure they’re okay.
“We provide essential, critical service. You know, we’re out in all weather conditions; we do train our employees to be able to handle these weather conditions,” Yeager said.
Yeager said their goal is to get crews out of the heat around 2 in the afternoon.
She said if you’re used to your driver showing up to collect your bins at a certain time, prepare for them to be early.
“I really think the biggest thing, and this should be all year long, always place your trash out at the curb the night before. Your collection times may vary, where you may say, ‘Well, my driver doesn’t come until 10 o’clock in the morning.’ That could vary,” Yeager said.
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