Chattanooga temporarily suspends curbside recycling amid worker shortage

Chattanooga will temporarily suspend its curbside recycling service as the city faces a shortage of truck operators, according to a news release.

After Friday, only regular trash pick-up, as required by law, will occur until enough of the 32 open CDL driver positions are filled. Residents will still be able to drop off any recyclables at one of five centers in the city.

According to Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly's chief of staff, Brent Goldberg, the lack of workers is partially driven by uncompetitive pay.

"The impact to recycling due to our driver shortage illustrates one of Chattanooga's most acute problems: pay for city employees is far below the market rate, a problem our budget will address when we present it to City Council in August," said Goldberg in a statement. "It is vital for the future of our city that we provide essential pay to our essential workers, or we risk additional impacts to our essential city services."

A recent study on Chattanooga's pay rates found that essential workers such as firefighters and police are paid about 25% below market value. When compared to those being recruited by other local companies, for CDL truck drivers, that number is closer to 120% percent.

The starting rate for a city of Chattanooga driver is currently $29,865, ahead of a proposed bump in pay after the city's budget is finalized.

Those interested in applying for a position with the city can visit agency.governmentjobs.com/chattanooga. Those with additional questions about the suspension can call 423-643-6311.

- Compiled by Tierra Hayes