Houston officials approved 34 new solid waste vehicles during an April 30 City Council meeting, which city officials said will improve efficiency and move away from the practice of purchasing used vehicles.
The details
Mayor John Whitmire said these new vehicles are equipment the city has needed for years, and will prevent the solid waste management department from having to buy used vehicles.
The Solid Waste Department provides weekly garbage and yard waste collection service to about 390,000 residential units and small commercial establishments, according to the department’s website.
The bulk of the purchase went towards 10 Heil automated side loaders for $4.46 million, according to the agenda item. These vehicles will be used for recycling collection and improve service delivery in waste collection.
The rest of the $11.2 million went towards other vehicles that will help:
- $3.88 million: nine side loader vehicles used for refuse and recycling collection
- $2.07 million: eight rear steer loader vehicles used for bulk waste collection, illegal dumping clean up and the transport of storm debris
- $880,600: three rear loader vehicles used to help the department collect, transport and dispose of storm debris more promptly and efficiently
- $168,156: four forklifts used to offload and load containers of large quantities
The Solid Waste Department has been experiencing staffing shortages and recruiting challenges in recent years, issues that were highlighted back in early April when City Controller Chris Hollins said solid waste is expected to spend $7.1 million in overtime despite being budgeted for only $4 million, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Additionally, missed trash pickup is a top 3-1-1 complaint, according to the controller’s April presentation.
