Waste Management, a provider of waste and recycling collection, is apologizing to its customers in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh and Montgomery counties for recent delays in service.

The company said the effects of the COVID pandemic continue to impact its business.

“Like many transportation companies, we are being challenged by a shortage of commercial truck drivers and technicians.” John Hambrose, Waste Management’s regional communications manager, said in a statement. “We apologize for the inconvenience we know this is causing our customers and are taking strong steps to resolve this situation and satisfy our customers.”

Hambrose said at Waste Management’s Gilbertsville Hauling Co., which serves all or parts of Berks, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties, the delays started to become an issue in April. The issue, he said, has gotten to the point where the company felt it needed to issue an apology.

“Sometimes we’re not picking up people’s waste and recycling at the time we say we’re going to and that they are accustomed to. Sometimes we’re missing pickups — not getting there on the scheduled day,” he said in an interview. Hambrose added that in those instances the company tries to communicate with the customer.

To get staffing levels back where they should be, the company is looking to hire six drivers, two helpers and one technician for the Gilbertsville location. Normally, that site has 100 employees to serve its customer base. Across eastern and central Pennsylvania — Hambrose said the company is in need of 57 drivers and nine technicians.

The company said it is taking “aggressive steps” to attract and retain employees.

One effort recently announced by the company is an education benefit package that provides up to $12,000 each year to help an employee complete their high school education, take college preparatory classes, study in 135 certificate or bachelor’s degree programs, and study for a master’s degree in more than 40 business, technology and other fields of study. The benefit is expected to be extended to the spouses and dependents of Waste Management employees in 2022.

“That is the kind of thing that could change the trajectory of a family,” Hambrose said. He added that since it was announced two months ago, employees have been signing up for the benefit.

The company is also offering $7,500 sign-on bonuses to experienced commercial driver’s license holders and technicians who join the company. At the same time, the company is offering $1,000 referral bonuses to current employees who refer successful employment candidates.

While he couldn’t speak specifically about its wages, Hambrose said the company offers competitive pay rates, as well as health benefits, a matched retirement savings plan, employee stock purchase plan and other benefits.

The company is also conducting hiring events where candidates can meet local managers, learn about essential services the company provides and go through the hiring process.

One such hiring event is being held on Wednesday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waste Management’s Gilbertsville Hauling Co., 197 Swamp Creek Road.

“We’re looking for new colleagues that want to be part of a team and want to grow with the company,” Hambrose added.

Walk-in candidates are welcome, and candidates can also contact Waste Management Talent Advisor David Runyon in advance at drunyon@wm.com or 269-303-3004 for more information or to schedule an interview.

Hambrose added that the company is prepared to make job offers “on the spot.” Candidates should bring their resume, and driver candidates will need to have a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License with an air brake endorsement.

Candidates at the June 30 hiring event in Gilbertsville can be matched by talent recruiters with any of the career opportunities available in Waste Management’s Greater Mid-Atlantic Area, which includes operations in central and eastern Pennsylvania, New York City, New Jersey and Delaware.

“Waste Management is a people-first organization with a relentless focus on safety. We embrace diversity and have built a culture that enables our team members to achieve a suitable work/life balance while building their career,” Hambrose said, adding that the company’s “short-haul” driving positions allow its drivers to be at home at night with their families.

Customers that have questions or are experiencing service issues with Waste Management are urged to contact the company via its Customer Service Center weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 1-800-869-5566 or through WM.com.

Waste Management is based in Houston. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. The company services residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers across the United States and Canada.