Examples of improperly put out trash in the Jeffries Point Neighbourhood. A new city pilot program in the area will focus on making sure residents and business owners comply with strict codes set forth by the city of Boston on trash disposal.
East Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina was out pounding the pavement last Wednesday, taking pictures of how residents in Jeffries Point correctly or incorrectly put out their trash on trash day as part of his new pilot program to curb litter in Eastie.
It’s no secret that East Boston has long struggled with the daily occurrence of trash and litter on its streets. While there has been some major improvements in the overall appearance of the neighborhood’s streets through new initiatives like adding more barrels, educating residents and business owners about proper trash storage and disposal and general cleanups there is still a lot of work that needs to be done here.
Last week LaMattina’s new pilot program in the Jeffries Point neighborhood that will eventually spread throughout Eastie was in full swing.
The program, based on a similar program the Councilor did in the North End will focus on proper trash disposal and enforcement.
“This week we will start with fliers in English, Spanish and other languages to all residents in Jeffries Point that spells out what the city expects or requires of residents and business owners in regards to trash storage and disposal and litter,” said LaMattina. “This is the first step. Now the second step will be to begin focusing on the problem areas in Jeffries Point with enforcement of current laws.”
LaMattina said code enforcement will first issue warning and then later issue fines.
LaMattina has joined forces with Frank O’Brien of Boston Public Works Department to implement the program in Jeffries Point.
The two are reminding all residents that they have the responsibility to properly dispose of their trash and to keep the sidewalk in front of their residence or business clean and free of obstruction. To ensure residents meet those responsibilities, the state has empowered the City of Boston to pass ordinances that encourage compliance.
“Up to this date, these laws have been enforced in a targeted fashion,” said O’Brien. “Going forward, the laws governing trash disposal will be enforced throughout Boston and residents will be held responsible.”
LaMattina said Boston Police and the Inspectional Services Department (“ISD”) would be strictly enforcing these laws in Jeffries Point in the coming weeks.
LaMattina added that the law states that residents are not allowed to dispose of trash on the street or sidewalk.
“You must store your trash in a proper receptacle on your own property or dispose of it in a public barrel,” he said. “Failure to comply will result in a fine of $25. If a police officer or ISD officer sees you throwing an empty can or cigarette butt on the sidewalk, they can stop you, ask for your identification, and issue you a fine. An empty can or cigarette butt is not worth $25.”
The city is also requiring residents to put trash in either a barrel with a closable lid or in a standard, heavy-duty, two-ply trash bag. Residents should no longer put out trash in grocery bags or in boxes. Unsecured trash can blow into the street or become food for rodents. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $25. Residents will also be responsible for putting out trash neatly at the curb by 7 p.m. on your trash day or after 5 p.m. the night before. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $25.
“Residents are also responsible for sweeping in front of your home or business at least once a week,” said LaMattina. “If you live in a building with multiple residents, you must make arrangements to take turns sweeping and cleaning gutters.”
LaMattina said thanks to the new Green Ticket law, unpaid fines will be added to a homeowner’s property taxes. Failure to pay the fines will result in the fines being converted into a tax lien on property.
“If you are a landlord, you are responsible for your tenants and should inform them of these new guidelines we’ll be enforcing,” said LaMattina. “In these difficult economic times, no one needs the burden of a fine. So please fulfill your responsibility as a resident of Boston and properly dispose of your trash.”
Any question, residents can call LaMattina’s Office at 617-635-3200 or Mayor Menino East Boston Liaison Ernani DeAraujo at 617-635-3485.