Recycling piles up in St. Paul as collection halts to winter conditions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Recycling is piling up in some St. Paul neighborhoods, as the collection company says its trucks can’t navigate icey alleys.

Jeff Tranberry lives in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood. His recycling hasn’t been picked up in four weeks.

“They say it’s because their trucks are too light, but our garbage is being picked up,” said Tranberry. “Everyone else is able to go through this alley, why can’t recycling?”

Eureka Recycling has a contract with the city of St. Paul to service the entire city, year-round. A spokesperson for the company said some alleys in the city have proved to be challenging due to their narrowness and pitch.

“They were given a substantial contract by the city of St. Paul to pick up recycling during Minnesota winters,” said Kristina Halvorson, who lives a few doors down from Tranberry. “I just feel like the city has let me down.”

“Eureka Recycling is not fulfilling the city’s expectations,” said spokesperson for the city of St. Paul Lisa Hiebert. 

Hiebert said the company was given until Wednesday to pick up all delayed collections.

Eureka Recycling said it understands customers frustrations, but the safety of their drivers and residents is their first concern.