The city of Delaware has kicked off a pilot program in response to issues with trash collection in the downtown refuse district.
There have been concerns about curbside trash in the district, which includes William and Winter streets, Spring and Central streets, Franklin and Union streets, and Sandusky Street. While some businesses and property owners comply, some people have left their trash out longer than the city allows.
City spokesman Lee Yoakum said placing trash on the curbside makes senses for neighborhoods but not for the downtown area.
“No one likes to see trash on their front step,” he said.
As part of the pilot program, two dumpsters were placed behind 18 and 22 S. Sandusky Street, one marked for residential and commercial, Yoakum said. There are about 20 customers who can use the residential dumpster, while about three businesses use the commercial.
Businesses interested in participating must contact the city at 740-203-1810.
Residents have been notified of the program, Yoakum said, and could be penalized per city code if they continued to place their trash on the curbside.
“We don’t want to be the litter police,” he said.
The city will monitor the program for the next months and make adjustments when needed. Yoakum said the city appreciates the cooperation from the building’s property owners such as Genti Koci.
“We need to work altogether to keep South Sandusky beautiful,” for visitors, residents and businesses of downtown, the owner, of 22 S. Sandusky St., said.
