An ongoing shortage of trash collection trucks led to a disruption of service for residents in areas between Foster Village and Palolo on Monday and Tuesday, the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services reported.

According to ENV, gray trash carts were left unemptied on 2.5 collection routes. Blue recyclables carts were also not serviced on four collection routes.

“Refuse crews are working diligently to pick up the missed carts, but delayed collections could continue through the rest of this week,” ENV stated in a release issued on Tuesday. “Residents are kindly reminded to leave their carts curbside until they have been serviced.”

ENV previously acknowledged ongoing supply-chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the production of new refuse trucks and the availability of replacements parts nationwide.

ENV noted it has received only 19 of the 73 new trucks ordered over the past five fiscal years.

Two new trucks were received this month, the first since Nov. 2020. Nine more trucks are expected to be received by the end of the year.

“The delay in delivery of new trucks means ENV must keep its current trucks in use longer than usual,” ENV stated in the release. “Consequently, these older trucks are more prone to breakdowns and require more maintenance than newer models.”

Residents may contact the ENV’s Refuse Division at (808) 768-3200 for questions or concerns. Residents may also check the ENV website for further information, including how to report missed collections. 

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.