BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Trash bins left curbside for weekly pickup are disappearing in parts of Bakersfield, leaving some homeowners paying out of pocket to replace them.
Yessica Reedy said she has had her trash bin stolen three times and has repeatedly contacted the city to try to resolve the issue, but each time she has still had to pay for a replacement.
“Someone walked up, took my bin, and walked away with it, using it as a dolly or wheelbarrow,” Reedy said.
The new program does away with the old trash bag system and requires everyone to use one of the large blue bins. FILE
Reedy said she has tried to deter thieves by making the bins unpleasant to take.
“I will dump filthy, disgusting cat litter in there without trash bags on purpose,” she said.
But after multiple thefts, she said she has learned it doesn’t make a difference.
She also said that even when theft is captured on video and shared with the city, it does not change what happens next when a replacement is needed. Reedy said that when her bin goes missing, she calls or goes in person to report it. After reporting the loss, she said she is asked to pay a replacement fee that has increased over time to about $95.
“This is the process set up, and it’s a broken process,” Reedy said.
Reedy said the system lacks clear tracking. Even though bins may have serial numbers when delivered, she said those numbers are not tied to her payment, making it difficult to trace or recover a bin later and leading to repeated charges.
“This is something that working class people are dealing with that are struggling with,” Reedy said.
Others in Reedy’s neighborhood said they have had similar problems and believe the city should take action.
Bakersfield City Council member Andrae Gonzales said he wants the policy changed.
Andrae Gonzales is running for reelection in Bakersfield City Council’s Ward 2. KBAK/KBFX
“I believe the City of Bakersfield should revise its replacement trash bin policy. Residents should not be punished when they are victims of theft. I’ve already made a referral at a previous City Council meeting on this issue, and I hope to see it resolved,” Gonzales said.
Reedy said she wants a better system and accountability if stolen bins are later found.
“Saying, hey, we’ve got these in storage, it’s not missing anymore. We can clean these up and put them right back on the street. Here’s your money back. Here’s a portion of your money back. I mean, some sort of responsibility, some sort of accountability is what I’m hoping for,” she said.
The city was asked for comment and said it is working on getting more information by tomorrow.