NWRA issues paper on noise ordinances’ impacts on the waste, recycling industry

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has released a white paper called “The Impact Noise Ordinances Have on Waste and Recycling Collection Hours.”   

The association says as employees begin returning to the office, traffic is approaching prepandemic levels. This directly affects the ability of waste and recycling collection workers to complete their entire routes because fleets can get bogged down by traffic issues. 

Related: NWRA releases paper on workforce challenges in waste, recycling industry 

The paper says hiring more drivers, while desirable, is challenging given the nationwide labor shortage. Likewise, the ability to drive longer shifts is restricted by state and federal hours-of-service regulations. The remaining option is for drivers to avoid peak traffic times to service their routes. This is where the issue of noise ordinances and permissible collection hours can hinder collection if reasonable standards are not enacted.  

“Waste and recycling collection vehicles have exhibited great advances over the last 15 years, including noise reduction,” NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says. “Regardless of how a municipality determines what is right for its residents, when it comes to protecting them from unreasonable noise and limiting disruptions, government officials must keep in mind that any restrictions should be clear and easy to comply with.”  

Many cities and towns have addressed the issue of waste and recycling collection as it relates to noise and permissible work hours. Some have specific decibel levels and distances from residences; others distinguish between residential and commercial areas, and some have established blanket prohibitions during certain hours.  

Regardless of how a municipality determines what is right for its residents when it comes to protecting them from unreasonable noise and limiting disruptions to their lives, the NWRA says creating a level of certainty in the regulations will ensure increased compliance from the waste and recycling industry while reducing penalties upon its members that could otherwise be avoided.  

Read the full report here.