A global microchip shortage and manufacturing delays have kept the City of Mobile from adding new garbage trucks, leaving curbside trash collection running behind schedule in several neighborhoods, city officials said.
The problem is compounded by a number of trucks in the city’s normal fleet sitting offline for maintenance and repairs. In response, Public Services Department crews have been putting in nine-to-ten-hour days, six days a week to keep collections moving, and the city is bringing in short-term rental equipment to fill the gap.
No Citations During the Backlog
While crews catch up, the city is suspending enforcement of its rule against placing trash at the curb more than 48 hours ahead of scheduled pickup — no citations will be issued until collections return to their regular schedule.
City officials expect six additional collection trucks to be in operation by the end of May, which should let crews close the gap with normal routes. Residents can check the city’s website and social media accounts for daily updates on where crews will be working next.
In the meantime, four drop-off sites are open for bagged yard debris only: Medal of Honor Park on Hillcrest Road, Langan Park on Zeigler Boulevard, Seals Park and Community Center on Texas Street, and Trimmier Park on Alba Club Road.