CLEVELAND -- You may just see it as trash, but for the City of Cleveland Division of Waste Collection it’s a serious process. If you don’t follow specific rules, you could end up paying a fine.
Now that would stink!
Beginning Aug. 1, the minor citation program goes into full effect, meaning if you put out too much garbage, mix trash with recyclables or leave your waste bin out beyond a certain time period, you can be hit with a $100 fine or more depending on the violation.
A warning period in place since March has now come to an end.
Mayor Frank Jackson is also encouraging all residents to recycle as a way to keep Cleveland clean and green.
Here's a document detailing what you should recycle, and what you shouldn’t.
Make Cleveland Greener by WKYC.com on Scribd
The city has also tried to answer some common questions with a FAQ. Here are some questions and answers given by the city:
What is the appropriate waste container?
Authorized waste containers are the official city-issued 96-gallon black or gray roll carts. The authorized recycling containers are the 64-gallon blue recycling roll cart.
What are some of the common reasons citations are issued?
Excess waste/recycling outside black/gray/blue cart.
Trash mixed with recycling in blue cart Setting out waste or recycling earlier than 12 p.m. the day before scheduled pick-up.
Failure to retrieve carts by 12 p.m. the day after collection.
How should I dispose of large household items?
Bulk items include – but are not limited to –appliances, tables, chairs, mattresses and box springs, couches, and furniture. All mattresses, box springs and cloth furniture must be wrapped prior to set-out.
Bulk items can be placed on the tree lawn the first full week of the month on your regular collection day. You may set out a maximum of three bulk items and four tires. To set out bulk items during other weeks of the month, call (216) 664-3711 to make special arrangements.
What should I place in my city-issued blue recycling cart?
All recycling items must be placed in the blue cart. Typical recycling items include glass bottles (no blue bottles), metal cans, plastic, paper and cardboard. Items should be rinsed and placed (unbagged) in cart.
Does the City recycle yard waste?
No, but the City will collect yard waste with regular waste. Branches and brush must be cut into lengths of three feet or less and tied into bundles that do not exceed 24 inches in diameter. All leaves and grass clippings must be contained in bags and there is a limit of no more than 20 bags per week.
My apartment does not recycle. Where can I take my recyclables?
Mayor Frank G. Jackson has a vision to reshape Cleveland into a city with a flourishing natural environment. We encourage all residents to recycle. It is one way we can keep Cleveland clean and green. Two convenient recycling drop-off sites are available in addition to the convenient curbside pick-up:
East side recycling containers are located at the corner of East 55th Street and Euclid Avenue 24 hours daily. The West Side Recycling Center is located at 3727 Ridge Rd. and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
What is the proper way to dispose of building/construction materials?
The Division of Waste Collection does not collect masonry bricks, dirt, and building or construction materials. You may call (216) 664-2162 for large roll-off rental and service.
How do I obtain additional city issued carts?
Extra carts for waste or recycling are available for $50 per cart. You may request one by calling the Division of Waste at (216) 664-3717.
More information on the new waste collection rules can be found here.