Syracuse, NY – The City of Syracuse recently implemented trash cart system is causing frustration among residents as sanitation workers issue citations for overflowing bins and loose or unbagged trash. The system, in effect for three months, has left many questioning its effectiveness, especially during holidays when households generate more waste.
As of Nov. 1, sanitation workers have been actively issuing citations, with fines amounting to $100 for households in violation. Common infractions include loose or unbagged trash and overflowing bins. Residents, however, argue that the current system is impractical, particularly during holidays like Thanksgiving.
Josh Walter, a resident, expressed his concern, stating, “What are we supposed to do? We’ve got trash that can’t fit in the trash can, and on Thanksgiving, I got a citation saying that my trash can was too full. So what are they going to do on Christmas, just pass out more citations to everybody?”
The city, in defense of the new system, says its purpose is to reduce litter throughout the city. Shawn Bobb, a sanitation worker for the city, says “It’s still people putting big items out on my route, and there’s been no clear guidance on what the city wants us to do with the items.”
Residents are calling for clearer guidelines and a more flexible approach to accommodate the increased waste generated during holidays. The lack of guidance on handling large items adds to the confusion for both residents and sanitation workers.
As the city deals with the trash removal after the Thanksgiving holiday, residents are concerned with how the system will handle the increased waste during the upcoming Christmas season.
For more information on the city’s trash, please visit here.