News Flash

Jan. 17, 2018 - Hampton closed libraries, community centers and parks at 5 p.m. Wednesday, as heavy snow was falling throughout the city. Trash and recycling pickups are behind schedule. Lower temperatures may cause icy road conditions Wednesday night and Thursday morning, forecasters warned.

City Manager Mary Bunting thanked residents for their "extraordinary patience" over the past three weeks as a variety of factors - most notably snow, but also holidays - has caused delays in trash and recycling collection. 

"We are behind, but we are working hard to catch up," said Public Works Director Lynn Allsbrook.

Hampton's solid waste drivers and some of its trucks are part of the snow response team, subject to being redeployed to pre-treat and clear roads. Also, the constant use of the equipment has resulted in mechanical issues that have put more than the usual number of trucks into the repair shop.

Snow is once again expected to delay trash and recycling pickup in Hampton this week, as Wednesday's winter storm is expected to drop about 2 inches of snow. That, combined with below-freezing temperatures, could make streets too slick for trash collections at some point.

With all of these factors, this week's routes are behind schedule. Tuesday's routes are largely finished, and crews are working on Monday's routes (rescheduled from the holiday). They will continue as long as daylight and street conditions allow. They will then collect Thursday's and Friday’s routes, in order, even if it takes working through the weekend.

Residents should put trash and recycling at the curb on the normal schedule and leave it there until it can be safely picked up. Assuming the forecasted warmer weather arrives, city crews should get to everyone’s home by Sunday, Allsbrook said. And then they’ll start all over again the next day.

"Again, we thank you for your patience," Bunting told residents. "Our solid-waste team is working non-stop to take care of both the winter weather and your solid waste needs. We regret we have been unable to keep up our usual timely service, but thank you for understanding the extraordinary situation."