City to Crack Down on Thefts of Recyclables

Stealing recyclable items from someone's curb could now result in a $100 fine.

has approved legislation that makes it a minor misdemeanor to remove recyclable material from the curb while it is awaiting pickup by a refuse truck.

It's not a big problem, officials acknowledge. But the occasionally gets a complaint from a resident upset about the disappearance of blue-bagged cans, glass or plastics from the tree lawn.

Councilman Joe DeMio said people who spend time separating and packaging their recyclables often feel the city should get the money the materials generate. 

The measure will be complaint-driven. Officers will not spend time specifically looking for trash thieves while on patrol.

Police Chief Charles Goss said that while the theft of recyclables has always been a crime, the new measure imposes a penalty. 

"We want to have a response if we get a complaint," he said.