Mounds of snow slows mail delivery

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- With all that snow there's just not many spots to put it. Snow banks at the end of driveways are so big there's nowhere to put trash, and there's no way for the mail to get in.

"Some magazines, probably some bills."

Many take it for granted, until it stops.

"I hope we get mail soon," said Mellissa Rodriguez, New Haven. "I'm still waiting for my state income tax."

With a pep in his step, Mitchell Daniels delivered mail to a New Haven neighborhood. For nearly 20 years he says it's become more than giving folks their magazines.

"You interact with the community and the fact that you can help make change," Daniels said. "You're the eyes and the ears of the community, the neighborhood."

However, over the years he's taken a tumble or two. That's why the U.S. postal service says safety comes first. So, if there's too much snow and ice on your property, your mail box will stay empty.

"We can get hurt or the customer can get hurt, but we try to deliver as safe as possible," said Daniels. "You have to blame God if you can, but we're doing the best we can due to circumstances. We're working with the city and the postal service."

Today, he made it to Matt Keany's home.

"It's nice to see his smiling face today," Keany said. "It's refreshing."

Undelivered mail isn't the only thing piling up. Folks at many public works are busy clearing the abundance of snow and ice.

So, clearing your accumulating trash may have to wait.

"The good thing about the winter is it's cold," said Keany, "you put trash out, it doesn't really get rotten and nasty."

"I hope the animals don't come through and dig in it," said Rodriguez.