METHUEN — The city’s new trash czar has issued hundreds of warnings, talked to residents across the city and even spent some time riding alongside garbage truck drivers during two months on the job.
Trash and Recycling Coordinator Carina Pappalardo reported on Monday that many residents still lack an understanding of the municipality’s trash rules.
Her role was created as officials look to crack down on violations of the guidelines that continue to cost the city, including when trash is disposed of in recycling barrels.
“The average person hasn’t been paying attention,” Department of Public Works Director Patrick Bower said during a presentation to the City Council. “One day they get a cart and they are just jamming as much stuff in it as they can.”
After needing to approve an extra $850,000 to cover unexpected trash costs this year, some city councilors have become increasingly frustrated from what they see as a lack of action on the issue.
Pappalardo has issued more than 305 warnings or rejections, but no fines.
“A lot of the time it turns into a conversation more than anything else,” she said. “And the people really understand what I am saying, they just have no idea a lot of the time.”
The city should have the capacity to begin issuing fines in about a month once work on the necessary information technology infrastructure is completed, Bower said.
However, Pappalardo said the lack of understanding of the program gives her some pause regarding fines. She plans to increase her outreach efforts including through mailers.
“I would feel comfortable if I knew the education has been given,” she said
Pappalardo has ensured her time educating the public has been spread throughout different neighborhoods in the city.
“I wanted everybody to get a part of this program, not just certain areas,” she said. “Some of these houses have no experience with these programs at all.”
Officials also addressed concerns over failures by the company to pick up trash. Residents should now see less missed pickups as the city’s trash contractor, E.L. Harvey, has now rolled out a new truck.
Pappalardo also spent three days riding along with the trash company.
She said the time gave her more perspective on the challenges drivers face, including returning after missed pickups. She said the company also sometimes returns when they are not required too.
“It’s not always feasible for them to get back the next morning and I think that has to be understood,” Pappalardo said. “They are working with us in more ways than it seems.”
Pappalardo and Bower also expressed a need for more resources both regarding equipment and staff.
As part of her job, Pappalardo responds to calls about illegal dumping, sometimes tackling the pick up herself.
“I can’t put a treadmill in my SUV,” Pappalardo said. “I don’t have the right resources.”
Councilors also debated two ordinances aimed at changing the fine structure for trash scofflaws and how they can be paid. One ordinance offering stiffer penalties was tabled for further review, but Councilor Ryan DiZoglio, the document’s author, said he would be bringing it back for the next council meeting.
He said residents had received plenty of time to adapt to the city’s trash rules.
“I think this city is afraid to fine people because they are afraid it will come back at them,” DiZoglio said. “If that makes me the bad guy, I am happy to be the bad guy.”
The council however did approve an ordinance by DiZoglio that would allow the city to attach trash fines or other related fees to the property owner’s taxes.
“Once they go on the tax bill they will eventually get paid,” City Solicitor Paul O’Neill said.