I work in town hall, and we just had a snowstorm overnight into the morning of about six to twelve inches. As an employee — but not a resident of the town — I sign up for emergency management alerts so I can be informed in case a resident calls.
I receive a text the night before the snowstorm saying that trash pickup will be delayed a day all week due to the storm. I receive an automated phone call not five minutes later with the same information. Later in the night, I also receive an email with the same information. It’s safe to say that trash will be delayed a day this week.
First phone call of the day:
Me: “[Department], can I help you?”
Resident: “Yes, hi. I was wondering if my trash will be picked up.”
Me: “Trash pickup is delayed a day this week.”
Resident: “But will it be picked up?”
Me: “It should, unless you have a different problem with your trash.”
Resident: “No, it’s fine. I was just wondering if they would pick it up.”
Me: “Yes, they will pick up.”
Resident: “When?”
Me: “They are delayed one day this week.”
Resident: “But when would they pick it up?”
Me: “One day after your normal trash day.”
Resident: “When would they pick it up, then?”
Me: “What day is your trash normally picked up?”
Resident: “Today.”
Me: “Then tomorrow. They will pick it up tomorrow.”
Resident: “Why tomorrow?”
Me: “Because that is one day after your normal pickup day.”
Resident: “But why not today?”
Me: “They are delayed because of the snowstorm.”
Resident: “I just don’t think they should be delayed. They should pick it up today.”
Me: “Every public school district in a twenty-mile radius is canceled for today. Several businesses are closed. Parking bans are in effect here and in [Cities and Towns near us]. The road crews are doing a great job, but the trash company doesn’t feel it’s safe to collect today and interfere with the road crews.”
Resident: “I just don’t understand why they can’t pick up today. It’s inconvenient for me to have to wait another day.”
Me: “Okay. Well, I hope you have a great day, and stay safe out there.”
