It’s not just your paranoid imagination. You’re being watched. And if you don’t keep that trash in a proper storage container out of view, it will cost you.
Athens City code requires housing residents to store all trash in containers “stored out of view from the property’s street address” except when the containers are at the curbside for pickup.
Yard Maintenance and City Code
As the Athens News reports, City code was amended in 2014 to mandate “that all exterior property areas and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage including broken trash bags, loose garbage, overflowing containers or an accumulation of excessive waste in a trash storage area.”
If you don’t, they’ll charge you $50 for the first offense, $75 for the second, and $100 for the third. Yikes!
Yes, the city does provide waivers due to age, disability or “extenuating circumstances” for those who are physically unable to move their trash, but no, your hangover does not qualify.
So keep that rental with a nice view and a yard clean and pretty in Athens Ohio. City inspectors are making a list, checking it twice. Don’t let that $50 ticket be a lump of coal in your stocking.
Understanding the Importance of Waste Management
While the risk of a fine might be motivation enough to stash your trash properly, there’s an even more significant reason to do so: Waste management is crucial to our environment and public health. It’s not simply about keeping the neighborhood looking nice; it’s about caring for our shared spaces and the planet.
The problem is, we generate a staggering amount of waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American produces about 4.9 pounds of trash per day. That’s about 1,800 pounds per person every year! Imagine the amount of waste created by all the residents in Athens City, let alone the entire country.
Taking steps to prevent food waste results in the power to feed people – not landfills, while saving money AND conserving resources! 👏🏽👏🏽
Join #EPA during #FoodWastePreventionWeek2023 and learn how we can all do better in #NoWastedFood efforts! https://t.co/dMYq5MJFmS pic.twitter.com/qIyesiK7eU
— EPA Land (@EPAland) April 13, 2023
Getting to Know Your Trash
So, what’s in this trash we’re producing? The answer might surprise you. A large portion of our household waste is recyclable. The rest is composed of items that can’t be recycled, like certain types of plastic, or organic waste, like food scraps.
Recyclable items include paper, plastic containers, glass, metal, and certain types of packaging. These items can be reused and turned back into usable materials.
Organic waste, on the other hand, can be composted. Composting is a natural process that turns food and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, perfect for gardening. If you have the space, consider starting a compost pile in your backyard. It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and create something useful in the process. No matter the size of your rental – anything from a one-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom house – there are resources to ensure sustainable waste disposal.
Making a Difference in Your Community
Efficient waste management isn’t just beneficial to the environment; it’s also good for the community. Properly stored trash prevents the spread of disease and pest infestation. Rodents and insects are attracted to poorly managed waste, which can lead to the spread of harmful diseases.
Moreover, maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary conditions in exterior property areas improves the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. This not only increases property value but also promotes a healthier living environment.
City Programs and Resources
Thankfully, Athens City and other municipalities typically offer services to help residents manage their waste more effectively. These services might include curbside pickup for recyclables and yard waste, hazardous waste disposal days, and composting workshops. Check out the Athens City official website to learn more about available resources.
So, stashing your trash isn’t just about avoiding a fine. It’s about doing your part to help keep Athens City, and our planet, clean, safe, and healthy. The next time you’re about to toss something, stop and think: Could this be recycled? Composted? Donated? If the answer is yes, consider taking that extra step. Your city, and your wallet, will thank you.