Council adopts amendment allowing DPW to remove trash containers after chronic violations

The Providence City Council Public Works Committee approved an amendment to Chapter 12 of the Providence code (health and sanitation) that gives the Department of Public Works new enforcement options for chronic trash-container violations.

Aaron, identified in the meeting as a deputy in the council policy office, summarized the amendment to Section 12-63(e). Under the revised language the city may issue a written 14-day notice of intent to remove waste containers where a chronic violator has not remedied violations. If the 14-day notice expires without compliance, the Department of Public Works may remove the issued containers from the dwelling until all payments are made, including removal and redelivery costs. Those costs will be set by DPW and published on the department's website. After the initial mailed notice, DPW may remove containers for subsequent violations without further notice. The amendment also allows the city to summons violators to municipal court but states that court action is not a substitute for the penalties set in the section.

Council members voiced support for the amendment while urging DPW discretion and flexibility. Councilors noted there are circumstances where moving containers up or down long stairs or during winter conditions is impractical; one member cited homes on Admiral Street as an example where an informal accommodation with DPW had evolved. Speakers emphasized that property owners fund much of the city and that enforcement should be balanced with outreach and assistance.

A motion to substitute the ordinance as amended was made by Councilor Perez Pinar and seconded by Councilor Roman Analajas; the motion passed by voice vote.

The amendment delegates to DPW the authority to set and publish removal and redelivery fees and to use municipal court where appropriate; it does not specify fee amounts in the ordinance language discussed at the meeting.