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A bulk trash crew collects yard waste

Amid Bulk Trash Collection Delays, Phoenix Establishes Pay Incentive for CDL Operators

October 27, 2022 4:25 PM
​​The City of Phoenix has announced another temporary incentive to attract more commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Starting on November 28, 2022, City employees across all departments who are in a CDL position and have a valid CDL will receive an additional $3/hour.
 
"I proudly support the long overdue hiring and retention incentives for the City's Public Works employees," said City Councilmember Carlos Garcia. "By taking care of our City workers, we can also do right by our residents. We apologize for the inconvenience the bulk trash collection delays have caused and moving forward, we hope to have better systems in place to communicate with our residents when issues arise."

The extra $3/hour is in addition to the current hiring incentive of $2,500 for new solid waste equipment operators (SWEOs) and the retention incentive of $3,000 for current SWEOs.
 
The 2022 quarterly bulk trash schedule is currently experiencing collection delays of up to several weeks in some areas due mainly to a nationwide shortage of CDL operators. All customers will receive their fourth quarter bulk trash service, but should note updates to the schedule, with revised collection dates for areas 8 - 13 beginning on November 21.
 
In the meantime, there are other disposal options. Residential c ustomers may dispose of one load of up to one ton (2,000 pounds) at a City Transfer Station each calendar month at no charge. Anyone making a drop-off will need to show their city services bill and a matching ID.  
 
“We thank Phoenix residents for their patience during this time. Our Public Works drivers are working hard to catch up on the bulk trash schedule,” said City Council member Debra Stark. Thank you to our drivers for their dedication to the job and for working overtime to return service levels to what Phoenix customers rely on.  
 
Phoenix also offers a solid waste equipment operator apprenticeship program —the first of its kind in the nation. The apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for those starting their careers to receive the on-the-job training and instruction needed to secure their CDL.   
 
“We are actively working to get bulk trash pickup back on track, and the City has done an incredible amount of outreach to individual truck drivers and partnered with neighboring cities to try and fix this issue,” said City Councilmember Sal DiCiccio. “I would love to see the City continue to think outside of the box and look into hiring back retired, certified truck drivers to get this job done.”

Learn more about the comprehensive benefits offered by the City of Phoenix and apply today at Phoenix.gov/Jobs. Search solid waste equipment operator and select either the current CDL holder option or apprenticeship program.

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