City Rolls Out New Solid Waste Ordinance
With a primary goal of enhancing Tallahassee's aesthetic appeal as well as keeping our streets safe, the City's newly revised solid waste ordinance takes effect October 1. Customers can do their part by preventing garbage and recycling containers from being left at the street or curb for extended periods. Customers may roll containers to the street no earlier than the day before collection service and return them to the house no later than the day after collection.
The revised ordinance was developed in response to concerns raised by local residents about containers being left at the curb. Though the vast majority of customers in most neighborhoods abide by the rule, the revised ordinance was recently passed by the City Commission at the urging of the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) and individual neighborhood groups.
Containers left by the road for long periods can become unsightly, obstruct traffic and pose safety hazards for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Solid Waste Services Director Reginald Ofuani. “They also can adversely affect the aesthetics of a community. We appreciate the citizen input to find a solution that works for our neighborhoods.” Under provisions of the ordinance, City residents in single-family detached homes, duplexes and apartment complexes with garbage and recycle barrels provided by the City must place their containers at the curb no earlier than the day before collection and return them to their proper storage area no later than the day after collection. If a customer receives two notices of violations within a 12-month period, on the third violation the City will switch the household from standard to premium service for one year. With the upgraded plan, City-designated crews will roll the containers to and from the curb on the day of collection for an additional monthly customer charge of $21.83. So rather than the $16.70 for standard service, those residents would pay $38.53per month. For residents who cannot physically take their containers to and from the curb, the City continues to offer its Helping Hands service. For qualification criteria on the Helping Hands service or general information on the solid waste ordinance, call 891-4YOU (4968) or visit www.Talgov.com/YOU.
Attention Smokers!Smokers have been leaving empty cigarette boxes (Marlboro, anyone?) on the ground of the common area. Also found: drink cans, wrapping paper. PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF. THERE IS A TRASH CONTAINER IN THE COMMON AREA FOR THAT VERY PURPOSE. USE IT!!!! The common area is for everyone, and no one wants to be stuck with picking up someone else's trash.
New "Complaint Form" Available
Got an issue you want to make the board aware of? Go to the "Downloads" page and grab the new "Complaint Form", fill it out and deliver it to the Board President!