WastePro hires subcontractors to help with driver shortage in Cape Coral, Florida

Longwood, Florida-based Waste Pro will be hiring subcontractors to compensate for a driver shortage in the Cape Coral, Florida, area. At the same time, the company says it will actively be recruiting new drivers.

Division Manager Bill Jones told WINK he hears the concerns from neighbors in Cape Coral and that the driver shortage is something the company is experiencing nationwide.

“We have recently brought in some subcontractors to help out with the bulk pickup,” he said. “We’ve got some additional trucks on the road helping there. We’ve got some other subcontractors that are trying to get lined up here this weekend next week.”

According to WINK, neighbors have complained of garbage lining the streets.

“I want to see that the people get what they pay for,” said Cape Coral resident James Mulkey. “I can’t see them, even myself paying for something that I’m not receiving.”

Another resident, Barbara Anderson, has claimed it’s been five weeks with no trash pickup at her home. “It’s frustrating,” she said. “Why do I have to keep calling every week? It should be something that’s taken care of right away.”

Waste Pro says for anyone interested in a position, the company will train prospective drivers and pay for state testing and certification.

Jones says he knows Waste Pro is on the clock, with the city has recently giving the company 30 days to fix collection delays to avoid daily fines.

“We’re in sort of an unusual environment right now with the pandemic layered on top of everything else that’s going on,” Jones said. “It’s somewhat of an emergency situation. I’m not sure if fines are the best way to do it.”