Changes to how Martinsville handles its trash collection in the uptown district could be on the way as the city council prepares for the first reading of a new refuse ordinance.
Since the beginning of the year, city staff have considered a number of changes to the current system of trash collection among uptown businesses and residences. These included changes to the days the city collects trash to establish dumpsters only accessible to uptown residents and businesses.
Currently, the city collects trash left out on the sidewalk every weekday morning. City officials have said that not only does this put a strain on staff, but it also contributes to trash piling up at the end of the weekends, among other problems.
”The council of the City of Martinsville has determined that the accumulation of solid waste on real property within the City is harmful to public health; tends to harbor or serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos, rodents and other animals harmful to public health; tends to diminish neighborhood housing values and is otherwise injurious to the public health, safety and welfare and constitutes a public nuisance,” reads information from the city.
Trash awaiting pickup could be interpreted as a violation of a city ordinance, enacted in 1950, that prohibits property owners from accumulating trash.
“The City of Martinsville is likewise empowered … to require that owners of real property keep their premises free from accumulations of solid waste and other public nuisances, and to remediate such nuisance conditions at such time or times as the City Council may prescribe,” according to the city.
City staff also maintains that current refuse-related rules are difficult to enforce.
“The current article is vague and requires antiquated enforcement actions,” reads information from the city. “The revised [rule] provides additional definitions for clarity, allows for more effective enforcement, and increases efficiency in collection operations.”
The refuse changes are also a chance for officials to update the city code. The current rules have not changed since they were first enacted in 1982.
The changes are designed to mitigate these issues. They include the purchase of eight dumpsters and special locks for limited access.
According to Public Works Director Greg Maggard, the dumpsters will be placed in strategic locations throughout the uptown area, such as the Church St. parking lot.
The refuse changes coincide with the city’s ongoing efforts to update its strategic plan.
“The key outcome of Part 2.2 of the City’s Strategic Plan is clean, attractive, and vibrant neighborhoods and communities,” reads information from the city. “The revisions proposed in this Article meet this key outcome by providing for increased administration, enforcement, and refuse collection.”
The available budget to enact these changes is $19,500, while the purchase amount is expected to cost around $12,000.
