CNBNews

A letter carrier from the Gloucester City Post Office sent me the following TIP earlier this week.

•  “As I approached a house where the homeowner was clearing out debris and placing it at the curb for pick-up the Waste Management trash people pulled up. I heard them tell the woman that there was too much trash to pick-up as it exceeded the 10 item limit. I then heard them tell her that a nice monetary tip would take all the trash away. The woman looked stunned and declined their offer. The trash men took a few items and left the rest.

•  “As I came down the other side of the street the homeowner came out to me and related the following. She had called the City Highway Department to complain and was told by a woman on the phone that this is not the first time they had heard of the trash people from Waste Management soliciting money.

•  “Regarding the limit on trash (10 bags). I have seen numerous homes with a lot more than 10 items and have seen the trash men take it with no questions asked.”

•  Bill, have you ever heard of a limit on trash to be picked up? Since my daughter and son- in- law live in your town and pay taxes I would be inclined to believe that they have a right to have their trash hauled away. And now what happens to all the trash that was not picked up?  Does it have to be taken back in till next trash day or will it sit there creating an eyesore.  If the city is aware that the Waste Management trash men are soliciting tips why isn’t anyone doing something about this? 

Gloucester City Mayor Bill James was contacted. After investigating he explained that yes there is a 10 bag trash limit.

“We had a problem for a while with some building contractors. Instead of paying for a trash dumpster they were placing the refuse from a building site on the sidewalk for the city to pick up.  Some contractors working elsewhere were bringing the trash from the job home with them and setting it out for the City to pickup. The limit was put in place to correct this problem.

“However, there are exceptions to every rule. For example, if someone is cleaning out a house or an apartment and has more than 10 bags they can arrange for pickup by calling the Highway Department at 456-0781. In some cases a supervisor from the highway department will come to the residence to view the trash in person.

“Waste Management, the contractor the City hired to pick up the trash is paid by the City. No employee from Waste Management is authorized to solicit money for trash pickup. If this happens the resident is urged to call the Highway Department and report the incident. We in turn contact Waste Management and they look into the accusation.

“As for the TIP you received. The woman followed the proper procedure. She called the Highway Department. And the City contacted Waste Management. “

If you have a TIP you would like to share send it to [email protected].