* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Henry
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Small Haulers Program and Bulk Trash Program
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Department of Public Works and the Department of Housing and Community Development to appear before the City Council to discuss the Small Hauler program and Bulk Trash Program and how these programs can be adjusted to reduce illegal dumping.
body
Recitals
A common concern raised by Baltimore residents is the cleanliness of our streets and neighborhoods. One major issue related to the cleanliness of neighborhoods is illegal dumping; an estimated 10,000 tons of waste is illegally dumped annually. While citizens can request that DPW pick-up large items that cannot be disposed via trash cans, it can take weeks or longer for DPW to actually retrieve the item for disposal. Instead of waiting for pick up, citizens and small hauler businesses can dispose of large items at certain Citizen Convenience Center drop-offs, such as the Northwest Transfer Station. The Station is free for residents and for small haulers, with a valid permit, there is a a $20 per load disposal fee. To receive a permit, small haulers must pay a fee. Unfortunately, some individuals and businesses, both from the City and outside the City, choose to illegally dump their trash in City alleys, empty lots, and other places, especially those with many vacant lots and abandoned houses, where it serves as both an eyesore and a nuisance. It is the responsibility of DHCD to investigate and issue citations for illegal dumping, while DPW is in charge of cleaning up the illegally dumped trash.
In addition, the City Council is interested in looking at a solution to non-Baltimore City residents illegally dumping inside City limits. Baltimore County has not provided bulk trash pickup since 1993, in order to save $780,000 in the budget. Baltimore County does provide free disposal for County residents at three locations, but the documented issue of County residents dumping inside City limits still persists. Anne Arundel County provides a similar bulk trash pick-up and drop off program to its residents, but slightly cheaper.
Because illegal dumping is a major problem in the City, the City Council is interested in learning about possible solutions for this issue. For example, could the City open more Citizen Convenience Centers for citizens and small haulers to dump waste? Is it feasible for the City to eliminate the disposal fee for dumping? What does a regional strategy to reduce illegal dumping look like? The City Council would like to hear about these and other possible solutions regarding the issue of illegal dumping at an informational hearing.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council invites representatives from the Department of Public Works and the Department of Housing and Community Development to appear before the City Council to discuss the Small Hauler program and Bulk Trash program and how these programs can be adjusted to reduce illegal dumping.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works, the Bureau Head of Solid Waste of the Department of Public Works, the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.