DPW to Pause Trash and Recycling Collections on Tuesday, August 6

Department to Conduct Mandatory Heat Safety Training

In response to the tragic death of Department of Public Works (DPW) crewmember Ronald Silver II at the end of last week and as part of our ongoing commitment to employee safety, DPW will conduct a mandatory heat safety training session on Tuesday, August 6. This session will focus on the Occupational Safety Health Administration’s guidelines for recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and related illnesses and ensure employees recognize heat stress hazards and act appropriately to address those hazards. It is required for all employees from the Reedbird and Bowleys Lane facilities. Transportation will be provided to accommodate all staff.

While Tuesday’s training targets Reedbird and Bowleys Lane employees, this series of sessions will be offered to all DPW employees and is in addition to DPW’s ongoing heat education efforts. Normal duties will resume on Wednesday, August 7. Due to the training, trash and recycling collections will be suspended on Tuesday, August 6, with a make-up day scheduled for Saturday, August 10. Residents can call 311 to confirm if they are affected by this schedule change.

Baltimore Banner Article

Clara Longo de Freitas

August 5, 2024

Weekend storms downed trees around Baltimore. Here’s what to do if a tree falls on or near your property.

In the aftermath of intense weekend storms, Baltimore City crews on Monday were still clearing out more than 150 trees that fell on roadways.

Utility crews were also responding to power outages, many of which were caused by downed trees and branches. As of 3:20 p.m., more than 4,800 customers were still affected, according to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.

Here’s what you need to do if you encounter a fallen tree on or near your property.

If the tree falls on your yard ...

Under state law, it is a homeowner’s responsibility to clean up and remove a fallen tree if it was in their yard. Generally, cities and counties do not help residents remove trees and branches from private property. Homeowners should call their insurance company.

If a tree has fallen on public property — like a road — residents should call 311, according to the city’s recreation and parks’ forestry division.

Most city waste crews will accept yard waste on trash collection day if branches are smaller than 4 inches in diameter or shorter than 3 feet. Residents should put yard waste in clear or labeled bags or in paper bags, or bundle it. Keep in mind that some jurisdictions limit collections to five bags.

BGE recommends checking with the Tree Care Industry Association to find a local tree service company if needed.

If it’s near utility wires ...

Utility companies, such as BGE and Comcast, are responsible for removing trees or branches from wires and equipment to restore service. But customers should dispose of branches and other debris that originate on their property, according to BGE policy.

When a tree falls onto wires or other utility equipment, BGE crews first assess if the vegetation debris can be safely removed. If it’s not safe, the tree crew will be dispatched and an operator will ground the electric equipment. Once the tree crew has finished removing the debris, they go on to their next assignment.

If it’s on public property ...

City residents should call 311 to report trees that have fallen in parks, on sidewalks, roads, or across medians.

Storm Damage in Tuscany-Canterbury

April 3, 2024

Tuscany Road

presidentTCNA@gmail.com