Department of Public Works
What is going be done to prevent this?

Unfortunately - Public Works cannot 'prevent this', they can only clean up after the fact. It is the responsibility of the residents, the property owners and the neighbors to prevent this by not doing it, not allowing it, and holding property owners responsible. But there must also be consequences for not complying, like immediate and enforceable fines. I am going to propose a city-wide initiative by which a notice (in Spanish and English) is placed on EVERY TOTER throughout New Haven during a regular trash pick up day advising:

“All brown garbage toters and blue recycle toters must be removed the front of the property. Toters must be kept in the rear or side yards until the evening before the scheduled pick up when they are to be taken to the curb. After emptying, ALL toters must be removed from the curb and returned to the side or rear yard within 24hours.

Leaving household and other disposable items on the curb without a scheduled bulk trash pickup is ILLEGAL DUMPING and carries a fine up to $1,000.00. You must arrange bulk trash pickup with your property owner BEFORE leaving items on the curb”.

But neighbors must also stop turning a blind eye with 'it's not my business', and then turn their noses up when they walk by it. They know who did it, yet they don't even call their own landlord. It's like the attitude is 'I didn't do it, so it's not my problem', or 'it's not in my house, so ...'. Property Owners are ultimately responsible for their tenants actions. So unless your tenant moved out in the middle of the night without your knowing about it, you should inspect YOUR property when they tell you they're moving and let them know if they LEAVE YOUR GARBAGE AND WASTE on the curb, you will deduct the fee to remove it from the security deposit. And be there to make sure ... be accountable or be fined!

Well said Hill Resident! We as residents are all responsible for quality of life issues in our neighborhoods. Real change won't happen until we all get involved. Thanks!

So having the notices printed and posted on the toters is a good idea??? Cool - when can we see it happening?? Or who do I need to speak to to get it started? I WILL be in touch. Thanks.

Originally we had stickers that were placed on toters listing a host of violations including contaminated recycling etc. The crews would have to check off the violations when they occurred. Very wordy and at the time not very effective so we are exploring other ideas too. Thanks. I was definitely applauding you for your "it takes a village"reminder and approach.

The monster pile is growing

I've spoken with Director of LCI about this 'initiative' about re-educating our residents, and she was very receptive. I am looking forward to seeing something happen!!! Something like this ...

The monster pile has been reduced - but enough was left behind to still require effort to clean. LCI & NHPW - Please contact property owner to dispose of ALL the debris before it ends up on someone else's property. Thank you.

Thanks for reporting, will follow up on this matter

Items removed. Will continue to monitor

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Thank you so much. Looks good!!!

Thanks for fixing this request!