Did you know that it might cost you a pretty penny if you don’t adhere to the new garbage collection rules set forth by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY)?
Some lesser-known facts about enforcement and fines were hashed out at the April Flatlands Flatbush Civic Group (FFCG) meeting hosted via Zoom.
According to guest speaker DSNY Executive Office of Community Affairs Liaison Teresa Cunningham, residents have until May 1st to get with the program or they could be slapped with a fine of up to $200.
By reducing the time that waste is out on the streets, the city hopes to “send rats packing,” as garbage will have to be placed curbside at either 6 p.m. (in a closed receptacle) or 8 p.m. in a bag.
“New York City has had the earliest trash pickup time of any major city in the country,” the DSNY rep said. “April is the grace period for the program’s initiative, but in May, we’re going to start enforcing the new time regulations. Homeowners are subject to a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $200 for the third offense – notably within a 12-month period.”
One resident, Julia Swinton, who lives on Avenue I, between Troy Avenue and East 45th Street, said she has already felt the wrath of the DSNY’s greed.
“They issued me a $25 fine for garbage that blew onto my property from somewhere else! I don’t even know where it’s coming from!” the irate resident said. “I’ve been doing the same thing for three years – since I bought this house, being really careful with how I throw out my trash! And there’s loose debris and an influx of garbage blowing onto my property. I’m supposed to be responsible for other people’s trash?”
Cunningham reiterated the law – that homeowners are responsible to clean the front of their homes, specifically 18 inches into the street from the curb. If everyone is abiding by this rule, she said, there shouldn’t be an influx of garbage blowing onto neighboring sidewalks and properties.
The good news is that residents can fight these tickets and contest summonses with photos/videos.
Swinton was also of the opinion that later garbage setout time could be a safety concern for seniors who will have be outside of their homes later at night dragging their trash to the curb.
A bigger issue that continues to come up at meetings is the mandated electronic recycling.
Despite this law having gone into effect in 2010, many still have no idea how or where to dispose of their e-waste. There are various local recycling resources available to properly dispose of items like old televisions and computers. One option is bring your electronics to a recycling site. Alternatively, you can visit NYC.gov, or call 311, to schedule a pickup date and time of your e-waste in front of your home.