Austin Resource Recovery is now asking customers to place carts outside no later 5:30 a.m. on their scheduled collection days throughout the rest of the summer.
“Actions like this allow ARR to continue to provide a safe working environment for its employees while delivering award-winning service to its more than 200,000 customers,” Austin Resource Recovery Director Ken Snipes said in a statement. “We thank our operators for their hard work and our customers for making this necessary adjustment to protect our employees.”
ARR has also increased the number of mandatory breaks drivers must take from two to four. These breaks are intended as 15-minute rest periods for drivers to drink water and sit somewhere cool. The city’s no-idling policy is suspended during these times. Drivers also may use cooling centers throughout the city, according to the press release.
Additionally, supervisors distribute water, electrolyte drinks and cooling apparel to drivers. Drivers are required to take a yearly heat training.
