Hometown News and Views

By Anne Siren

Pompano Beach - “Honey, take the garbage out! The list is on the fridge.”

It may not be as bad as all that, but Pompano Beach residents are going to have to pay a bit more attention to the way their garbage hits the streets.

Robert McCaughan, public works director, explains that it is all about “curb appeal. Residents were not complying with the original ordinance.”

And he blames it on a lack of education from the city.

With garbage and bulk pick-up taking place eight times a month, finding one day with a street clear of bulk or trash cans is a rare scene, and city officials want a cleaner look.

The first suggestion from public works was to limit bulk pick-up from eight times a month to once monthly, a suggestion shot down by city commissioners in July.

Now, the changes are  minimal and the city is sharing information.

Here are some of the basic rules for a healthy and safe relationship with those who haul away the trash:

1.  Tree trimmings that cannot be bagged, bundled or tied may be placed in the yard, five feet from the road, for pick-up.

2.  Vegetation that can otherwise be contained or tied, should be.

3.  Glass or items that can cause harm must be placed in rigid containers.

4.  Supermarket bags are not considered garbage bags. [Says McCaughan, “Some people use Publix bags and placed several of them on the street for pick-up. These bags are often strewn throughout the neighborhood and they violate the code.]

5.  Garbage bags are allowed. [While people have been using them for years, this is a new addition to the rules.]

6.  Fluorescent lights and computers must be bagged and sealed if being legally discarded. [Mercury can be emitted if these products are broken.]

The above rules are specifically for single-family residences, duplexes and triplexes.

“Most people are responsible,” says McCaughan. “Our long-term goal is to get automated carts. [When that happens] if it doesn’t go into the container, it won’t be picked up.”

In two years, when the city places bids for garbage pick-up, automated carts will be on the table.

Meanwhile, residents who do not comply with the rules of garbage pick-up could receive violations and fines.

For more information, visit mypompanobeach.com and search “garbage” for a full list of requirements.

To recycle electronic items like fluorescent lights, computers, television and other items at no cost, take them to 2780 N. Powerline Rd. just north of Copans Road on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.