Residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia, will no longer receive curbside recycling services — at least for now. The city has announced an immediate suspension of its free curbside recycling collection program, citing ongoing staffing shortages and a spike in employee call-offs that have made it impossible to continue providing reliable service.
Mayor Tom Joyce delivered the news in a statement released Friday, explaining that while the decision was difficult, it was necessary under the current circumstances.
For years, Parkersburg has been proud to offer free curbside recycling to its residents, but the city’s sanitation department is struggling to maintain the workforce needed to keep the service running smoothly.
“Unfortunately, we simply do not have the personnel currently to continue this service effectively and efficiently,” Joyce said. “I take full responsibility for not taking this suspension action earlier to alleviate the frustration and uncertainty many resident customers have experienced the past several weeks.”
In recent months, residents have voiced concerns over delays and missed pickups, and the city has been unable to maintain consistent recycling service. The mayor acknowledged that the city should have acted sooner but emphasized that the current pause is a proactive step toward stabilizing operations and ensuring better service in the future.
The decision to suspend the program was not made lightly. Joyce confirmed that he consulted with representatives from both the Public Service Commission and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. He assured residents that the city will not face any penalties or enforcement actions related to this temporary suspension.
Looking ahead, the city is committed to finding solutions that will allow for the possible reinstatement of curbside recycling. Mayor Joyce noted that discussions will continue with city council members and the public to evaluate the best ways to improve and stabilize Parkersburg’s overall sanitation services.
“We remain committed to providing high quality public services,” he said. “We will explore all options for reinstating curbside recycling in the future, including the opportunity for city council and public input.”
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue recycling by using the Parkersburg Recycling Center located at 100 24th Street. The facility remains open around the clock, seven days a week, offering a convenient option for those still committed to environmental responsibility.
The city acknowledges the inconvenience this change may cause and is asking for the public’s patience and understanding while officials work to address the staffing challenges.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through these challenges,” Joyce added.
While curbside recycling is on hold for now, Parkersburg’s commitment to sustainability and service remains intact. City leaders are hopeful that, with community input and strategic planning, recycling collection will resume stronger than ever in the near future.
