A periodic review of our garbage “dos and don’ts” is always worthwhile. Such review can be a refresher for long-term residents and a primer for new residents!
Section 939 of the Greenhills Codified Ordinances regarding garbage and refuse can be viewed here. The Code addresses such things as the types of containers that may be used, the times for setting out containers and for removing containers from the right-of-way; how the containers should be stored; and enforcement mechanisms. The Village webpage section on trash and recycling can be viewed here.
I think we would all agree that visible garbage is a negative for any property and for the community as a whole! The vast majority of our residents comply with the Code, but there are those who just don’t seem to notice or care about their garbage.
Village staff are always driving through the Village, but we always appreciate residents who notify us about violations. To the extent possible, Village staff attempts to reach property owners by phone to inform them of violations. When that is not possible or not successful, the Village enforces the relevant Code sections in the following ways:
1) by leaving a written notice at or mailing a written notice to the property owner advising as to the permitted hours for setting out garbage and that any future violations may result in a charge for collection and/or criminal citation.
– OR –
2) the Village can order the immediate collection of the garbage and then send the property owner written notice of the additional fee incurred for the pick-up and notifying the owner that the garbage was set out in violation and that the cost of the additional pick up shall be paid within 14 days of the notice. If payment is not made, the Village will in have the cost added to the tax duplicate and collected as a tax lien. The Village uses this tactic for evictions, excessive amounts of garbage, etc. We act quickly in these situations because it is unsightly and unfair for surrounding residents to have to look at a garbage pile for any amount of time.
Here are some other garbage-related requirements to keep in mind:
Containers should be of a non-rusting material with tight-fitting lids. Plastic bags may be used for set out, but not for storage during the week.
Containers not be set out until 3 pm the day before collection and must be removed from the streets within 24 hours of collection.
No garbage may be set out in open containers.
Containers must be stored throughout the week either next to the rear wall of a dwelling or garage, or in a confined area screened from view of passersby. Trash handling areas are allowed to be located in front yards if screened with fences or walls, provided that the fence or wall does not extend more than 6 feet from the front of the house and not taller than 4.5 feet in height. Decorative bushes are also a nice way to screen containers. disposing of mattresses, sofas, chairs, or other such items – Rumpke requires they be wrapped or placed in plastic bags before they will be picked up. For your convenience, the Municipal Office stocks the necessary plastic bags in a variety of sizes for $6 each.
If you have large and/or heavy items for pickup, Rumpke would appreciate a head’s up. Give them a call at 851-0122, ext. 3732, to allow them to be prepared for a large pickup. While our current contract with Rumpke allows for unlimited household waste, large and bulky items aren’t considered household waste and the collection of such items may be limited by Rumpke.
