Houston’s recycling pick-up problem, a long-standing issue, is once again causing frustration for residents and Mayor John Whitmire.
On Thursday, Whitmire spoke with 2 Investigates reporter Mario Diaz after residents complained about their recycling not being collected for weeks.
“I understand, I live in Houston, I have family in Houston. I listen to my constituents. It’s a problem with the system that we inherited, and I let the previous director go two months ago,” Whitmire said.
The mayor acknowledged the recycling system is being reengineered under new leadership.
“We’re in transition, the new director, I have confidence in him,” Whitmire said, adding the city is examining future best practices.
When asked why a system that initially improved under his watch is now facing new challenges, Whitmire responded, “It’s a number of circumstances, the transition from one director to the other. We also are uncovering some really poor practices, lack of efficiencies, and let me just suggest, if we need more resources, we’ll give the department.”
However, Whitmire emphasized his administration will not throw “money at the problem that’s inefficient in a poorly designed system.”
The mayor’s bottom line: “Let’s get the job done.”
For more of the mayor’s Q&A with Mario Diaz, click on the video above.
