Darien Explains Garbage Container Crackdown

DARIEN, IL — In the last few months, Darien has increased enforcement of its law barring residents from keeping their garbage containers in front of their houses, rather in their garages or back or side yards. The law was enacted in 2019.

In a recent "Ask the Mayor" piece on the city's website, Mayor Joseph Marchese explained the recent crackdown. He said he had received emails from some residents questioning why the city chose to increase enforcement during the pandemic.

Marchese said the city staff told the City Council that more than 200 households were not in compliance with the rule.

"In addition, we were receiving calls and emails from residents who made efforts to be in compliance, complaining that many of their neighbors chose not to remedy the situation and continued to place their refuse containers in front of their homes," the mayor said.

Based on the calls and the staff's observations, Marchese said, the council discussed the matter and advised the staff to take measures, including warnings and fines, to help solve it.

"After the first 'wave' of warning notices, those in non-compliance were reduced to 60 residences, and after a second notice, the number was reduced to 30 residences," Marchese said on the website. "After the initial fines went out, the city provided these individuals with an opportunity to have their violations reexamined by staff."

Darien Patch left an email message with City Administrator Bryon Vana asking about the number of citations issued. He said the city could provide that information early next week.

In March, the city canvassed a few areas, starting in the Hinswood subdivision, finding about 200 violations with garbage containers and junk in front of houses, according to the city.

The City Council discussed the issue at length at its September meeting, which was covered in a Patch story.