By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green officials are continuing to take some grief on the city’s new garbage rules.
Some citizens remain unhappy and confused by the garbage regulations.
“The education seems to be never ending,” said Public Works Director Brian Craft, whose office gets frequent calls and emails about garbage and recycling rules. “It will always be a constant struggle to get it resolved.”
The new rules regulate how long the containers can be left out by the street, where they can be stored outside homes, and require that container lids be closed. City employees patrol neighborhoods and give out notices for violations before ever issuing fines.
“We’re not trying to come across as heavy-handed,” Craft explained during a strategic planning meeting for City Council members on Saturday.
Council members commented on the fact that the new regulations seem to be working in neighborhoods.
“It looks better in my neighborhood,” Bruce Jeffers said.
“It really has been improved,” John Zanfardino said.
One of the remaining issues is the problem with garbage or recycling bin lids blowing open on windy days. Craft said the city is in the process of buying 300 new containers that are designed a little differently and may not be as susceptible to the wind. If these containers work better, they will be the type ordered when replacements are needed, Craft said.
The garbage and recycling bins are aging and hinges are breaking – with the green garbage bins purchased in 2000 and the blue recycling bins in 2009.
“We will slowly phase them in as the budget allows,” Craft said of the new bins.
Council president Mike Aspacher asked Craft to keep council updated on how the new regulations are working. “I think it’s important to hear monthly how those regulations are working” and “if there are tweaks we can make along the way.”
Assistant Municipal Administrator Joe Fawcett said there are no “silver bullet” options when it comes to garbage and recycling bins. Each basic design has flaws, he said.
Craft also explained that automatic arm on the city’s newest garbage truck tends to snap back the containers so fast that the lids flip open. The city is trying to remedy that.
Due to continuing problems at the recycling center of citizens putting non-recyclable items in their blue bins, the city has information on its website, has given information to landlords, and has designed a new larger sticker to be placed on the top of recyclable bins.
“If they really want to be green, it’s right there,” Craft said, noting that re-education begins every fall when new BGSU students arrive.
The sticker lists that no trash, shredded paper and other items are accepted.
“Just because it has the chasing arrows, that doesn’t mean it’s accepted out there,” at the local recycling center, Fawcett said.
Craft also explained that the cameras on garbage and recycling trucks can help identify people who are not using the bins properly.
