As the new year begins, Tempe says some residents might experience delays in garbage and recycle collection. The city’s website states staffing shortages are to blame. 

Shannon Reed is a public information officer for the city of Tempe. 

“We have gotten a lot of comments on social media, most of the people are super nice and it's on our main Facebook page, but some people are going to be unhappy with it. We’re just trying to make the best out of a tricky situation," Reed said. 

Reed said the delays began to worsen last week, due to unscheduled absences related to COVID-19 infections.

The city is asking residents to place containers out to be collected when they are 75% full or need to be cleaned out due to odors. Tempe asks if bins are not collected on expected pickup days, residents should leave their bins out until the following day or later in the week.