There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who put their trash cans back like clockwork and those who leave them out for days.<\/p>\n
Fort Lauderdale is hoping steeper fines will motivate that second group to wheel the carts back where they belong.<\/p>\n
First-time violations will trigger a written warning, with escalating fines for repeat occurrences: $50 for a second violation; $100 for a third; and $150 for a fourth violation and beyond.<\/p>\n
Those who contest the fine and lose will pay an extra $75 to cover administrative fees.<\/p>\n
The problem is among the top five most frequent concerns reported by residents citywide, according to an email blast sent to residents this week.<\/p>\n
“People do get upset,” Commissioner Steve Glassman said. “It’s not a big ask to expect people to put them back where they belong. People don’t want the clutter. Maybe this is a tough love way of going about it.”<\/p>\n
Here are the rules:<\/p>\n
Remove carts from the roadside on the same day as collection.<\/p>\n
Place carts curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, but no later than 6 p.m. the night before your scheduled pickup.<\/p>\n
Place carts at least 2 feet from other carts, cars, mailboxes, trees, storm drains and utility poles. Never place your cart in a bike lane.<\/p>\n
Clean your cart periodically with water and mild, phosphate-free soap.<\/p>\n
Keep all trash inside the cart with the lid completely closed.<\/p>\n
Store your cart behind the street-facing building line or screen it from public view.<\/p>\n
Residents can report violations by calling Fort Lauderdale’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.<\/p>\n