Trappe council tightens trash-placement window and reopens hearing

President Newnam opened the meeting’s public hearing on Ordinance 6-2025, a proposed amendment to Section 13.6 of the Trappe Town Code regulating placement of refuse and waste receptacles. After discussion about enforceability and timing, the council voted unanimously to narrow the allowed window for setting out trash: no earlier than 2:00 p.m. the day before collection and removal from the street no later than 8:00 p.m. on collection day.

Commissioner Brian Schmidt moved the amendment, and Commissioner Michael Sullivan seconded. The council then voted unanimously to reopen the public hearing and accept further public comment until the Council’s Nov. 5 meeting. President Newnam also read an email from resident Bobby Croswell that was filed with the official records. The town clerk’s record of the hearing is available with the meeting materials on file.

Why it matters: Council members cited enforcement and timing concerns in narrowing the window — shorter allowed set-out times reduce daytime street clutter and can make violations easier to identify. The amendment will return for final action after the extended comment period. No formal enforcement policy change was adopted at the Oct. 1 meeting; the council’s action at this meeting was to amend the ordinance language and solicit additional public comment.