Council discusses rules to limit dumpster overflow after resident complaints

Council members raised multiple complaints about dumpster overflow, litter and wind-scattered trash at multi-unit properties and some bars. Speaker 7 described photo evidence from Crescent Street Apartments and other locations, and the group reviewed neighboring municipalities’ ordinances (Austintown, Boardman) as possible models.

Members discussed several options: requiring fenced enclosures around apartment dumpsters, lockable lids for high-frequency business dumpsters, clearer owner responsibilities, and working with the city’s hauler (Allied Waste) on pickup frequency. Participants cautioned that some downtown businesses have limited space for enclosures and that enforcement would be a practical challenge where many residents use a shared dumpster.

What was said: Speaker 7 asked whether the city could require enclosures; Speaker 8 and others suggested a targeted ordinance for larger apartment complexes (for example, those with more than four units) and lock requirements for some businesses. The group agreed staff should draft possible ordinance language for further review.

Next steps: Council asked staff to review model ordinances and prepare draft language for future consideration and implementation options, including enforcement and exemptions.