CASSELBERRY, Fla. – Trash cans were still lined up along one Casselberry street Thursday afternoon, hours after one homeowner said they would usually be empty.
Paul Scaglione said his garbage crew normally would have come by already. Instead, cans up and down the street were still waiting at the curb.
He was not upset.
“I totally understand,” Scaglione said. “When my wife informed me about it, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s great. I wish more companies did that.’”
The City of Casselberry posted a notice this week telling people garbage, recycling and yard waste collection could be delayed because of extreme heat and afternoon storms.
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A city spokesperson told News 6 delays like this are standard during the summer. The difference this week is that Casselberry decided to proactively post a reminder, so people would know a late pickup does not necessarily mean their route was missed.
The city contracts with Waste Pro for sanitation routes. Casselberry said collection will continue once conditions are safe for Waste Pro employees.
Waste Pro told News 6 that protecting the health and safety of its employees is a top priority.
“During periods of extreme summer heat, collection start times may be adjusted to reduce employees’ exposure to dangerous temperatures while continuing to provide safe, reliable service,” the company said in a statement. “We appreciate our customers’ understanding as we take these proactive measures.”
Scaglione said that makes sense to him. He spent more than 30 years working outside as a horticulturist and landscaper.
“I know the elements,” Scaglione said. “Each year it gets a little worse, so I feel for these guys that are out there right now.”
That is why Scaglione and his wife keep a cooler filled with water, Gatorade and ice for the sanitation crew that comes by their home.
“I know what it’s like to be thirsty and not have a refreshing drink near you,” he said.
The cooler is usually left in the shade under a crape myrtle tree. Scaglione said the crew knows where to find it.
“If we’re not out here, we got a cooler under the crape myrtle tree for you in the shade,” Scaglione said. “Feel free to take whatever you need.”
He said he also likes to come outside when he can, shake the workers’ hands and let them know someone is on their side.
Across Casselberry, Diane Awbrey said she saw the city’s post too. She said her trash has not been delayed yet, but if it is, she is fine waiting.
“I wouldn’t want to be hanging on the back of a garbage truck in 110-degree heat,” Awbrey said.
Awbrey said her crew has been reliable for years, and if workers need to come later in the day when it is cooler, she supports that.
“I’d just as soon they take a break, come at night,” Awbrey said. “That’s fine. Then it’s cooler.”
Casselberry said if collection is delayed, crews are expected to continue once conditions are safe.