A Recology Ashland garbage truck experienced a significant hydraulic leak on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, while servicing customers on the south side of town, affecting a total of 12 streets including Timberline Terrace, Indiana, Woodland, Leonard, Monroe, Palmer, Penny, Pinecrest Terrace, Starlight, Ponderosa, Oneida Circle and Walker above Peachy.
Recology Ashland notified the City immediately and requested assistance with sweeping the affected roads. As noted by residents, crews prioritized sweeping the roadway center where the spill occurred rather than the gutter lines where leaves typically accumulate. After inspecting the area, the City asked Recology to apply additional absorbent to help draw up remaining hydraulic fluid, an industry-standard spill response.
Street sweeping has been performed twice since Tuesday, with another pass scheduled today. Despite thorough efforts by all involved, the hydraulic fluid has left staining on the asphalt, which is expected to fade over time.
Recology promptly notified DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) and is coordinating cleanup efforts directly with the agency. The company has also hired Western States Environmental, an experienced Medford-based hazardous cleanup contractor founded in 1989, to assist in completing the hydraulic-fluid remediation.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the City, ashlandoregon.gov.
#end