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Residents press council over polycart trash rollout, landlords and missed mailings
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns about the new 95-gallon polycart rollout: missed mailings, landlords not registering for second carts for renters, frequency of pickups, damaged lids and lids left open, and how correction notices and fines will be handled.
The Warr Acres City Council on Nov. 18 heard prolonged public comment and council questions about the city's transition to 95-gallon polycarts for residential trash service.
Public Works reported deliveries and operational issues: "We had 4,500 carts delivered... and then a company delivered the bulk of 3,000 or so," the Public Works Director said while describing the rollout and equipment learning curve with side-loaders. Residents said many renters had not received notices or that landlords had not authorized second carts, and asked whether tenants could pay for twice-weekly pickup. Public Works said correction notices would be taped to carts initially, the city would not mail each notice to property owners by default, and second carts are available but landlords are billed by owner-record information.
Why it matters: The rollout affects service reliability, curbside safety (open lids and toppled carts), billing and enforcement. Residents asked whether the city will issue fines for trash left outside of carts and how to handle extra trash at rental properties. Council members acknowledged a learning curve for staff and encouraged clear communication and a short grace period before strict enforcement. The director said crews will begin issuing correction notices next week and that staff are compiling lists of properties without service and those with duplicate carts.
Details and clarifications: - Polycart sizes: residents received a 95-gallon cart comparable to typical municipal service; some households reported older 55-gallon cans were replaced. - Correction notices: will be taped to carts initially; ordinance allows a fee for missed-trash pickups in some circumstances (example cited: $10 for a legitimate missed pickup). - Second carts: available but must be added to utility/billing records; the city will work to mail notices to owners when duplicates are recorded.
Next steps: Public works will start issuing correction notices, reconcile cart inventories (including carts left at vacant houses), and follow up with landlords and residents on second-cart billing. Council encouraged staff to send duplicate notices to owners when feasible and to keep a consistent enforcement approach.
