CHATHAM, Va. – Trash collection has slowed in Pittsylvania County and leaders are blaming a staff shortage for the delays.

Pittsylvania County Public Works leaders apologized for the inconvenience on Tuesday, saying there have been delays in emptying the receptacles because of medical absences. These absences, according to the department, are in addition to the issues caused by having an already short-staffed fleet of drivers.

Pittsylvania County’s Public Works department said that because there are staffing shortages nationwide, the companies that normally provide short-term staff have been unable to help.