New Kensington garbage hauler promises to work with city following alleged thefts by employees

Following reports of thefts by its employees, New Kensington says the city’s garbage hauler has promised to improve communication with the city and keep it aware of its trucks’ whereabouts.

Representatives of city council met with County Hauling last week to discuss performance issues and resident complaints.

“It was a good meeting. They understood all of our issues and complaints and took it very seriously,” Mayor Tom Guzzo said. “We’re not going to tolerate any more issues from them. They have a firm understanding, and they agreed.”

County Hauling spokeswoman Ro Rozier declined to comment on the meeting.

In January, the company said it fired two employees after residents reported thefts of a package and Christmas decorations in the area of Highland Avenue and Oakwood Street.

On Tuesday, city police Chief Bob Deringer said two County Hauling employees are being charged with theft and criminal mischief in connection with the theft of an Amazon package from a porch Jan. 8 on Highland Avenue. They were not identified.

The theft of a Christmas projector light Jan. 15 on Oakwood Street is under investigation, he said.

In a notice posted to the city’s website, the city says County Hauling “agreed they have had some problems with staffing and logistics; however, they committed to better upfront communication with the city and also agreed to have operations keep the city abreast of the truck’s availability and whereabouts.”

Eight County Hauling trucks pick up garbage in New Kensington on Fridays.

According to the city, the company is able to track each truck and its progress in collection and is willing to provide those updates to the city.

Guzzo said the company is going to give the city the ability to track its trucks on its own.

“This way, if someone calls and says they haven’t hit their block yet, we’ll know where they are and will be able to better inform the public,” Guzzo said. “That’s a really, really good result.”

The city said the company will attempt to begin normal pickup at 6 a.m. and try to be finished by 5 p.m. at the latest.

New Kensington officials have said any residents with concerns about garbage service, such as missed pickups, should call City Hall. The number is 724-337-4523.

“Your continued concern and reporting are constructive to keeping performance up to standard,” the city’s notice states.