Breaking trash rules would earn you a ticket in Pittsburgh, if new legislation passes
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Pittsburgh councilperson wants to clean things up across the city, proposing a bill that would fine you for not complying with some updated trash rules.
Councilperson Bob Charland of District 3, introduced new legislation that would ticket people for trash violations, like accumulating garbage, improperly storing trash outside of a tightly sealed can, setting containers out too early or bringing them in too late, and contaminating recycling.
Matter of safety
Squirrel Hill resident Sarah Wallace said it's a matter of safety.
"If it's out a day early or left out overnight, that can be kind of blocking the sidewalk and making it less safe for people to get by," Wallace said.
"We get raccoons and rats and other things that go through the trash," resident Eleanor Grossman said. "That can be a problem, especially since I have dogs, I don't really want you know, those droppings around."
How much would a trash ticket cost?
Currently, it could take months before trash rule violators face consequences, if at all. Under the proposal, public works employees would issue tickets immediately to property owners. A first violation would cost $35, a second would cost $50, and a third would cost $100.
Wallace thinks folks should get a warning first, but overall, she and Grossman said it's a good idea.
"After you've been warned, I think a ticket is fair. I think it's a good way to help keep the community cleaner and make people more aware," Wallace said.
It's unclear when the legislation will be voted on and if approved, when it would go into effect.