The conflict left its mark. In the streets of Toulouse, the trash cans are still overflowing. Consequence of the 52 day waste collection strike. Garbage collection resumed last Friday. According to Toulouse Métropole, the potential delay during the movement of agents is generated at nearly 3,000 tonnes of waste. Three weeks would be enough to absorb it. During this emergency, the collection is done in all directions. “There are no priority sectors. There are so many needs everywhere…”, indicates Vincent Terrail-Novès, vice-president of Toulouse Métropole in charge of waste and cleanliness. “We can still focus on nursing homes”, confides the elected official.

The heavy workload weighs on the smooth running of the data collection. Garbage collector rounds cannot be completed within the time limit. “Agents collect part of the tour. In order not to further impact the inhabitants, they do it upside down the following week, says the vice-president of Toulouse Métropole in charge of waste. In the city center, a lot of work has been done, the teams have done a great job this weekend”.

Solicited by the Metropolis, private companies also collect the “hottest points” so that “the situation returns to order as quickly as possible”. However, the 5th wave is disrupting the resumption of garbage collection. “Some of our agents are sick. This does not allow us to provide 100% service,” observes Vincent Terrail-Novès.

The damage of the Garonne

The delicate mission of cleaning up the Pink City became more complex last week. In addition to the full garbage cans, there is the damage caused by the flooding of the Garonne. Coming out of its bed, the river deposited silt, foliage and branches on the quays. Again, the duration of the cleaning is estimated at 3 weeks. At first, the metropolitan agents will put the silt back in the Garonne. “We have to take our precautions. The floor is very shiny. It’s meticulous work,” explains the vice-president of Toulouse Métropole in charge of cleanliness.

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Once this initial work is done, the Metropolis hands over to private companies. Picking up leaves and branches is their responsibility. Once collected, this material will go to composters.
If volunteers are kept away from cleaning, it is because of “the very precise practice” that it requires, explains Vincent-Terrail Novès. Associations have nevertheless made their contribution. Garbage bags, carried by the raging waters, are found in the branches of the trees and on the banks.