Description
There are a couple of people that go through the garbage in my neighborhood looking for recycling frequently. I've confronted them in my driveway to let them know they are not welcome. I understand that if I've moved my garbage and recycling bins to the street that they are public access...however if the garbage bins are in mine or my neighbors backyards, driveways, private property, they should not be entering our property to go through our belongings. I confronted this couple recently and was given an excuse that the lady was in an abusive relationship, needed to get out, etc. This has been ongoing since last summer. I am perfectly ok with people going through the garbage if I've put it out on the street because I no longer have any attachment to it. However I don't think everyone in the neighborhood is aware of their rights to privacy nor do they realize this crew is scavenging their garbage. What should the neighbors know? What are our rights? And can someone canvas the neighborhood and let them know that we are frequented by these scavengers? Thompsonville is a beautiful neighborhood when you have an owner-occupied home and we have an opportunity to keep our property values reasonable. The scavengers are one of the issues we have.
7 Comments
Maya N. Matthews (Registered User)
Maya N. Matthews (Registered User)
R Santanella - Code Enforcement (Registered User)
The removal of recyclable materials from the recycle barrel even at curbside is a violation of the Solid Waste Ordinance Sec 70-6. Please contact the Public Works Department when you observe this activity. The director of Public Works or his designee is responsible for enforcement. When the activity occurs on your property contact the Police Department as this would be a trespass along with the ordinance violation.
Sec. 70-6. Removal of recyclable materials.
(a) No person shall remove recyclable materials, including but not limited to scrap metal, newspapers, unbroken glass, bottles, cans, tires and other collectibles from the designated disposal site without authorization from the director.
(b) Once recyclable materials are placed at curbside or other designated area, it shall be a violation of this chapter for any person or entity, other than those authorized under this chapter, to collect or remove recyclable materials from said area.
(c) At the option of the director, violators of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be required to make restitution to the town for any materials illegally removed.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall limit the right of anyone to dispose of his own recyclables in any other lawful manner, provided that such materials have not been set out on the curb or placed in any designated collection or disposal site.
(e) Any nonprofit organization within the town may request authorization from the director to collect recyclables.
(Ord. No. 01-1, § 8B-6, 4-16-2001; Ord. No. 08-1, 3-3-2008)
Sec. 70-7. Enforcement.
Except as otherwise specified in this chapter the director or his designee shall enforce all provisions of the chapter and the regulations as they apply both to solid waste that is transported to the DSWF or any other area designated by the director.
Maya N. Matthews (Registered User)
Maya N. Matthews (Registered User)
Closed Ozzie (Registered User)
They are a young couple and they drive a new car (Nissan) and usually drive by in the morning or later in the evening.
Jeff Golden (Registered User)