Baltimore Residents Frustrated by Weeks-Long Trash Collection Delays

City struggles to catch up on collection schedule after recent snowstorm

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Residents in Baltimore are growing increasingly frustrated as the city's Department of Public Works struggles to catch up on trash and recycling collection following a recent snowstorm. The delays have left piles of garbage accumulating in alleys, impacting residents' ability to receive home heating oil deliveries and attracting pests. Despite repeated calls to 311 and the DPW, some residents say the issues have persisted for weeks.

Why it matters

The trash collection delays highlight the challenges cities face in maintaining essential services during and after major weather events. Prolonged delays can create public health and safety concerns, as well as financial hardships for residents who rely on regular trash pickup and home heating oil deliveries.

The details

A DPW crew was on the job Wednesday in East Baltimore, but piles of trash and recycling remained in nearby alleys. One resident, John Bryant, said he was unable to receive an oil delivery for his home heating due to the blocked alley. Bryant had called 311 and spoken to DPW multiple times, but the issue persisted until a WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates inquiry prompted a quick response from the city to clean up the alley.

  • The snowstorm that caused the initial delays occurred more than three weeks ago, in January 2026.
  • As of February 19, 2026, the DPW was still struggling to catch up on its regular trash and recycling collection schedule.

The players

Baltimore City Department of Public Works

The city agency responsible for trash and recycling collection in Baltimore.

John Bryant

A 78-year-old East Baltimore resident who was unable to receive a home heating oil delivery due to the trash buildup in his alley.

Juan Machado

A nearby East Baltimore resident who complained that his trash and recycling were not being collected.

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What they’re saying

“The recycling, it's not coming. The trash truck, it's not coming. Nobody came to pick it up. My trash can is full. Can't put it out.”

— Juan Machado, Resident (wbal.com)

“Pick up the trash so I can get my fuel, my oil.”

— John Bryant, Resident (wbal.com)

“Enough is enough.”

— John Bryant, Resident (wbal.com)

What’s next

The city has pledged to continue its efforts to catch up on trash and recycling collection in the coming days and weeks, with the goal of restoring regular service as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of municipal governments maintaining robust emergency response plans and backup resources to ensure essential services like trash collection can be quickly restored after major weather events. Residents' frustration underscores the significant impact these delays can have on daily life and the need for better communication and coordination between the city and its constituents.