Putting a Lid on Trashy Neighborhoods

Trash cans here, trash cans there, trash cans everywhere. Arlene George has lived in the Highland neighborhood for 12 years and admits she is tired of all the trash. "When I first came people just threw out trash bags and dogs put trash everywhere and then the city came up with these and now we have these lovely sculptures all over the neighborhood,” Arlene George, concerned Highland resident.

After a boisterous town hall meeting, the Office of Public Works is going to make sure the curbside trash collection rules are strictly enforced. The law says that containers of household waste only must be set out prior to 7 in the morning on the day of the collection and must be removed no later than 10 in the evening. "That makes the neighborhood look better, those trash cans shouldn't be sitting out two or three or all week long like that,” explained Evelyn Boxley. Not only do neighborhoods look trashy, the garbage cans being left out are also unhealthy.

If you violate the code you can expect a door hanger, then a certified letter, and finally a subpoena to appear in court. "Within a 2 block area, I personally found 25 violations so they are there. Our guys are out this week pulling out the cards, taking pictures for documentation,” admitted James Holt, Deputy Director, Shreveport Office of Public Works. It could even result in a $500 fine. "I know I wouldn't have $500 to pay a day or week,” said Boxley. For George she is thrilled action is being taken. "This is a behavior that has lasted here forever, and I find people do what's asked of them and expected of them,” commented George.