Dive Brief:

• The local U.S. Attorney in Toledo, OH has conducted a compliance review under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning waste collections in the city. 
• The review centers on Republic Services, which signed a 2011 contract with the city for residential waste removal services. However, Republic did not make provisions to accommodate those with disabilities.
• As a temporary solution, the Toledo's mayor has organized a volunteer program that helps the disabled with transporting curbside collection bins. 

Dive Insight:

ADA regulations state that disabled residents must have a service available for them that can aid with the transport of the bins, and that the hauler must provide this service.  

Last week, city Law Director Adam Loukx sent Lucas County Assistant Prosecutor James Walter a letter saying the county was solely responsible for helping residents with disabilities. Loukx said the city cannot tell Republic to establish special services under the terms of its contract with the hauler. Walter responded by writing that providing services for the disabled is a shared responsibility.

A non-profit, Triad Residential Solutions, is currently aiding as many disabled citizens as it can, but says it has reached its capacity. The organization said it is currently “in talks” with Republic.