City to end alley trash collection on Oct. 30

10/12/2006
BY TOM TROY
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Curbside refuse collection will start Oct. 30 for those Toledo residents who are still putting their garbage cans and bags out in alleys, and the earliest time trash can be set out will move back from the current 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for all city residents the same day.

City officials announced the new regulations yesterday.

They said alley trash collection and the early set-out of trash contribute to garbage being strewn around the city's older neighborhoods where the 130 miles of alleys are concentrated.

Bill Franklin, the city's director of the Department of Public Service, said he believes that residents will be more conscientious about keeping their trash cans and bags neat when they are in front of their homes.

And he said that a later set-out time for trash will make streets more attractive and limit exposure to dogs and rats and other rodents.

He said the time change was discussed and decided in meetings within the administration, and that it grew out of neighborhood bus trips Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has taken with department directors in recent months.

"One of the things we noticed was trash out early. Some cases in mornings, some cases afternoons. It's more opportunities for animals. It looks unsightly," Mr. Franklin said.

He said there was consideration given to moving the trash set-out time to the morning, but that was rejected.

The 8 p.m. set-out time was published in the city's official journal and it has been mentioned at Block Watch and town hall meetings, he said.

Setting trash out earlier than 8 p.m. or in an alley could result in a fine of $75 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense, and $300 for a third offense.

Residents with questions or concerns are invited to call the division of solid waste hotline at 419-936-2511.