Wednesday, October 2, 2013

STREETS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES NEW SANITATION REGULATIONS

Changes in Setout Times and Mattress Disposal


Acting Streets Commissioner David J. Perri announced today changes in the Sanitation regulations governing the set-out times for trash and recycling collections and how mattresses/box springs are placed out for curbside collection. These changes affect residents and small businesses that receive City Sanitation services.

Effective October 1 through March 31, there will be a new set-out time for trash and recycling collections citywide. Citizens will be able to set out their trash and recyclables by 5:00 pm the night before and by 7:00 am the day of collection. Set-out times from April 1 to September 30 will return to 7:00 pm the night before and by 7:00 am the day of collection, the normal hours allowed as part of the City's Sanitation regulations. The new regulation takes into account Daylight Savings Time when clocks are changed and days grow shorter more quickly. The earlier set-out time makes it more convenient for citizens to place their collections out while there is still day light.

Effective December 1, the regulations for setting out mattresses and box springs will change, requiring residents to place these items out completely wrapped and sealed for collection. This regulation is being instituted to protect the public and Streets Department employees from the spread of bed bugs.

To thwart the spread, it will be mandatory for citizens to fully wrap and seal mattresses and box springs in plastic bags to be collected. Mattresses and box springs not properly wrapped will not be collected. If these items are taken to our Sanitation Convenience Centers, they must be securely wrapped. Mattress bags are available at many retail stores and on-line.

Although there will be no immediate enforcement, Sidewalk & Walkways Education & Enforcement Program (SWEEP) Officers will be issuing warnings until January 1, 2014 for non-compliance with the new regulations.

Citizens should look for press releases in community papers and flyers distributed to households announcing this change. Automated phone calls will also be distributed to residents.

The Streets Department thanks citizens for their cooperation as we continuously work to improve to provide CLEAN and SAFE STREETS.

Visit the Streets Department here.

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