The pilot program that allowed some city residents to place their trash outside at 5 p.m., the night before collection, has ended. Now, the earliest trash can be placed outside for pickup is back to the normal 7 p.m.
The program began on Nov. 1. City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.) planned to introduce legislation allowing all city residents to be able to place their trash outside at 5 p.m. in the months when daylight-saving time is not in effect.
However, after discussions with city Department of Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson, the pilot program was established for residents and small businesses in the 6th Councilmanic District. The 10th Councilmanic District was added to the program, which had a March 30 ending date.
Almost all of the Northeast was included in the program. Areas that were excluded included Frankford, Northwood, Summerdale, Lawndale and parts of Castor Gardens, Wissinoming and Oxford Circle.
The program was created mostly for safety reasons, particularly for senior citizens.
Henon explained that, in the fall and winter months, many seniors did not feel comfortable going out in the dark to put out their trash after 7 p.m.
Now, through early fall, there is daylight at 7 p.m.
The streets department will not issue any citations for trash placed out before 7 p.m. until the agency and City Council offices agree on a comprehensive method of informing the public.
Meanwhile, the city will evaluate the impact of the pilot program before deciding whether to implement it again. ••
