Community Corner

Shelton Officials Tackle City Garbage Problem

Shelton officials are confident a revised ordinance and new collection practices will stop the issue of trash buildup on downtown sidewalks.

The Shelton Street Committee and department are hoping to crack down on sidewalk garbage buildup, particularly in the downtown area, with new collection practices and a refined ordinance on proper waste disposal.

"It's a thorn in my back to see our main drag coming into the city," said Public Works Director Paul DiMauro. "I'm a downtown boy myself, and when people tell me that they give directions to come into Shelton from River Road rather than Howe Avenue because they don't want their friends to see this garbage, it kinda grinds me wrong."

Addressing , DiMauro said that starting September 1, the city will be introducing both and automated collection.

"Automated collection will involve the city supplying containers for residents who are currently receiving trash collection. We will not allow any container on the street other than those approved by the city," he said.

Residents will be receiving a 96 gallon container for trash, and a second 96 gallon container for recycling. Collection frequency will remain as it is now: once a week for trash, bi-weekly for recyclables.

"These wheeled containers will be picked up by a truck with an automatic arm, so if people choose not to follow the rules and the waste isn't secured properly, it won't be collected," DiMauro said.

Street Committee chairman Eric McPherson noted that this new system will save the city money and provide a much better service to residents and business owners.

In addition, DiMauro has also re-written the current city ordinance #895: Garbage, Trash and Refuse. It will be passed on to the Board of Aldermen, who will vote on the new terms during their monthly meeting (June 14). If approved, the new ordinance will then go to a public hearing scheduled for June 27.

One of the conditions of the new ordinance will be that trash cannot be put out on the street or sidewalk before 6 p.m. the evening before collection day. Also, trash and recycling bins must be removed 12 hours after pickup and cannot be visible from the street.

Under the current ordinance, anyone violating the terms is subject to a $250 fine for each offense. DiMauro did not say if that amount would change in the new ordinance. Furthermore, not everyone will be granted the "10 day warning" grace period for cleanup.

Alderman John "Jack" Finn said he agrees a change is needed, but that "enforcement is key," especially considering downtown revitalization efforts and projects like the Avalon complex, which will bring more people (and thus more trash) to the area.

Find out what's happening in Shelton-Derbywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Right now we have another ordinance on our books that we don’t enforce. If we did it would be a rich community," Finn said. "How many people have been stopped for cell phones and driving? For jaywalking? Parking in front of fire hydrants? I can go on with a list of things no one has been ticketed for."

"For the time being, it's a matter of self-policing. The new ordinance will have the teeth necessary to prevent what is currently happening on Center Street," DiMauro said.

DiMauro said that, for now, anyone with a complaint about garbage downtown can personally report it to him.

"I've already sent two letters to landlords telling them they're in violation. In both cases, it was because refuse was left out for days and in a way that wasn't right," he said. "If someone sends me pictures or an address, I will send a letter out informing the property owner -- I would be happy to do that."

Find out what's happening in Shelton-Derbywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Paul DiMauro can be reached by phone at (203) 924-9277 or e-mail: p.dimauro@cityofshelton.org. For more information about trash collection, recycling and proper disposal, please visit the city website.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here