We’re all supposed to be staying at home as much as possible – but public works crews are still out every day, collecting trash and recycling.
What are our trash collectors doing to keep themselves safe – and how can we help?
“We’ve asked our employees to wear the proper PPE, practice physical distancing, and monitor their health symptoms,” said Chapel Hill Public Works Director Lance Norris.
Norris made that comment during a recent community update video with Chapel Hill Town Manager Maurice Jones.
“You can also help us,” he added, “by washing your hands before and after rolling out your carts, and wipe down the handles of the roll carts with hand sanitizer. That would also be very helpful.”
Norris said Chapel Hill has suspended collection of bulky items and yard waste for now, at least until things begin to return to normal.
To see the full conversation with Norris, Jones and the director of Chapel Hill Transit Brian Litchfield, click here.
Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.
Note: 97.9 The Hill has been Chapel Hill and Orange County’s daily source for free local news since 1953. Please consider making a donation to continue supporting important local journalism like this.
Related Stories
‹

Orange County Governments Share Service Delays, Facility Closures Following Weekend SnowFollowing inches of snow, local governments in Orange and Chatham counties alerted residents to how their operations are affected for Monday and Tuesday.

Chapel Hill Changes Its Leaf Collection Policy to Only Accept ContainersWith the fall season approaching, the Town of Chapel Hill is changing how it collects leaves and is no longer collecting loose piles.

Thanksgiving Holiday Leads to Service Changes from Orange County GovernmentsLocal governments across Orange County recognized the start of winter holidays through several events this month. For Thanksgiving this week, local government offices and services will be closed in recognition. The various town governments and Orange County alerted residents to the changes in recycling pick-up, administrative hours, and park facilities from Thursday, November 24 and […]

Orange County Local Governments Share Service Changes for ThanksgivingThe Orange County region is celebrating the start of winter holidays in a variety of ways this week, but will see a handful of local government services affected. The town governments and Orange County government alerted their residents of changes to trash pickup, public buildings and other items that will be off on Thursday, November […]

Orange County Governments Announce Service Schedules for Fourth of July HolidayFor the first time in two years, Orange County is seeing in-person celebrations and events for the Fourth of July holiday. Residents can expect to see gatherings for community readings, food festivals and fireworks displays on Sunday, but the local governments are also recognizing the holiday on Monday, July 5. This weekend and to start […]

Orange County Governments Share Altered Service Schedules for Good FridayLocal governments traditionally take holidays on Easter weekend and several of the ones in Orange County are this year, leading to some resources and services being temporarily disrupted. What can residents of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough expect to see changed? Here is a list of services reported to have an altered schedule by the […]

18-Year-Old Arrested, Charged After Gunfire on West Franklin StreetThe Chapel Hill Police Department has arrested and charged 18-year-old Axel Zizumbo after he reportedly fired a gun in the 100 block of West Franklin Street at around 7 p.m. Friday night. That area includes businesses such as the Yogurt Pump, White Sauce Bar & Grill and the Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar. According to a […]
![]()
Jury Selection in Hedgepeth Murder Trial, UNC Field Hockey Regains Star Trio – The Morning News (September 28, 2026)The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell substitutes for Aaron Keck and shares the latest local news stories on Monday, September 28.

Equipment Failure Causes Delays to Carrboro's Household Trash CollectionCarrboro said the breakdown led to Wednesday's collection taking longer than normal. As a result, Thursday and Friday collection has moved.

Chapel Hill Police Investigating 'About 60' Vehicle Break-Ins Early Saturday MorningThe Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a spike in vehicle break-ins around town early Saturday morning. Police reported “about 60” break-ins which occurred between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. along major routes like Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Raleigh Road. Most of the break-ins reportedly happened in hotel and apartment complex parking lots, […]
›