Fines Will Be Issued For Trash, Recycling Violations In Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland residents that violate the city's waste collection policies will soon be getting $100 fines. The city said that after it overhauled its curbside waste and recycling program, it now wants to ensure compliance.

“With the successful roll out of the curbside waste and recycling program, we are moving on to the next phase of ensuring this program’s success – compliance,” said Public Works Director Michael Cox. “Compliance is essential to our efforts to become a greener and cleaner Cleveland. Our goal is to educate residents early so everyone is in compliance by August 1st.”

Before citations are issued, residents will get courtesy warnings. The warning period will end August 1, after which $100 fines will be issued. Courtesy violations will be placed on the lid of roll carts, the city said.

What violations could cost someone $100? Here's some common examples, according to the city.

• Trash mixed with recycling, which results in contaminated recycling
• Excess waste outside of the City issued roll cart. Only items in the roll cart can be picked up by the automated trucks.
• Carts set out too early. Carts should not be placed out earlier than 12 p.m. the day before the scheduled collection day.
• Cart violation – residents are required to remove roll carts from tree lawn and store by 12 p.m. the day after scheduled collection day.

“Over the next few months, the City of Cleveland will begin a series of efforts from videos posted to our social media accounts to posts on our blog to help educate the public about proper set out,” said Chief Operating Officer Darnell Brown. “We need everyone to do their part to ensure we keep Cleveland clean by following important waste collection and recycling regulations.”

Larger fines could be issued the setting out of construction materials, five or more tires, large quantities of bags or boxes and hazardous waste materials. Those violations will incur a $350 fine.

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