By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
School is out on the new garbage bin rules in Bowling Green. Now it’s time for the test.
After adopting new regulations for trash bins in August, City Council decided the focus should first be on educating residents rather than citing them for violations. So for the past month, city workers have been posting bright green stickers on trash or recycling bins that are not being used or stored properly. The stickers have boxes that can be checked to explain the violation.
“Hopefully, this education process is working,” Public Works Director Brian Craft said to City Council Monday evening.
Now that the education process has been given a month to sink in, the next step is issuing warnings for violations. If the violations continue, fines will be issued.
It appears that the education effort on recyclables has been effective, since the amount of garbage in recycling bins has dropped from 35 to 20 percent in the areas on the east side of Main Street since the process started.
Following is an explanation of the garbage bin regulations:
- On non-collection days all refuse containers, including dumpsters, whether city or privately owned, shall be stored within an enclosed area, or in the side or rear yard as defined by the city zoning code of the premises adjacent to the structure with the lid closed.
- Containers should be placed curbside no sooner than 5 p.m. the evening before collection and no later than 7 a.m. the day of collection.
- All containers must be removed from the city right of way by 7 a.m. the day following collection.
- Do not fill above the top of the container. Keep lid closed.
- Do not place trash in the recycling container.
- Do not bag your recycling. Place it in the container loose.
- Do not place brush or yard waste in either container.
- Do not place refuse beside the containers. It will not be collected.
Failure to comply may result in a citation or loss of city refuse collection.
- First violation within any 12- month period: Written warning affixed or mailed to the premises.
- Second violation within any 12-month period: A civil citation to the occupants and a fine of $25.
- Third violation within any 12-month period: A civil citation to the occupants and fine of $50.
- Fourth and subsequent violation within any 12-month period: A civil citation to the occupants, and a fine of $100 for each violation.
The purpose of requiring container lids to be closed at all times is to help prevent the lids from breaking during the collection process. If the lid is open or the container is facing the wrong way at the curb, the lid can break. Also, if the lid is open during non-collection days or at the curb, the chances increase that the garbage within the container will fall out and become loose litter.
Anyone with further questions should call Public Works at 419-354-6227 or the Mayor/Municipal Administrator’s Office at 419-354-6204.
Also at Monday’s meeting, City Council heard from Jim Stainbrook about the upcoming Wood County Committee on Aging levy on the November ballot. The 0.7-mill renewal levy, that lasts five years, will help pay for senior services throughout the county.
Those services include providing about 850 meals a day, transportation to medical appointments, assistance with grocery shopping, and lots of programming and exercise classes.
Stainbrook explained that the Wood County Committee on Aging owns only one building – the mass production kitchen on county property. All the senior centers throughout the county are rented from communities, he said.
Council member Bob McOmber spoke in support of the levy. “These are some of the best dollars any taxpayer can spend,” he said.
In other business, City Council:
- Learned that a reaffirmation celebration for Not In Our Town is planned for Oct. 20, with a Peace March at noon starting at the corner of Main and Wooster streets, followed by an event in the BGSU Falcon’s Nest at 4 p.m.
- Heard that the next Community Action Plan meeting will be Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m., in the BGSU Student Union, Room 228.
- Was reminded that the parking lot at Simpson Garden Park was being paved this week on Tuesday through Thursday.
- Heard Council member Scott Seeliger praise the efficient and careful work of the brush collection crews in the city.
- Listened to a report from Wendy Chambers, executive director of the BG Convention and Visitors Bureau, and two members of the bureau about the work of the organization. It was mentioned that a national beard and mustache championship may be held in Bowling Green next summer.
- Learned the intersection improvements at South Main and Gypsy Lane are almost complete, and are waiting on the new signals.
