As New York City snow melts, garbage and slush piles growing

Jeff Smith Image
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
As NYC snow melts, garbage and slush piles growing
Jeff Smith reports on the pileup of trash and slush as warmer weather melts all the snow

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- After 347 consecutive hours of temperatures below 32 degrees, the deep freeze is giving way to the big melt. But if you spend any time in New York City, you know that means lots of maneuvering around puddles and worse, especially at street corners.

While the snow might be gradually melting away, the mountainous garbage piles remain firmly in place. The New York City Department of Sanitation has been busy with snow removal, and that can only happen at the expense of trash pickup, as they handle both tasks.

Not only did they have snow to deal with, but also the holidays, with all the Christmas trees and extra household garbage. Having to clean up tons of confetti in Times Square on New Year's Eve probably didn't didn't help either.

It's all been a perfect storm for these piles of trash, but thankfully, work is underway to alleviate to the situation.

The department tweeted this update, promising 2,200 collection trucks.

In the meantime, be ready to dodge slush puddles and piles if you're navigating the city.