Twenty-two weeks after voting to create a new ordinance that limits times when trash receptacles may be placed in front of homes, the Fayette city council passed the new law. Effective immediately, trash cans may be put out no sooner than 12 p.m. the day before garbage day and must be removed no later than 6 p.m. the day after garbage has been collected. Waste receptacles left out can be ticketed by police and are subject to fines of up to $100.

The ordinance was passed unanimously at last week’s regular meeting of the city council on Tuesday, November 9. Aldermen originally passed a measure to create the ordinance on June 8, 2021.

While the new ordinance is already in effect, no tickets will be issued yet. Formal notices explaining the new ordinance will go out with utility bills that are set to be mailed out on November 29. Following that, City Marshal David Ford said his officers will likely give warnings rather than write tickets, at least at first.

“I’m not going to go up and write a ticket the first time I ever catch a trashcan out,” said Chief Ford. “I’m probably going to try and make contact with the owner.”

Enforcement of the new ordinance will fall to Fayette police officers. Citizens may also alert City Hall of trash receptacles that are out during prohibited times. In the event that a citizen’s trash is not properly picked up on time by RTS Waste Services, LLC, the trash company with which the city is contracted, he or she may contact city hall to ensure no penalty will be issued.