Reader Response - Bob Weger
Bob Weger
There has recently been some concern expressed about the process
required to replace a missing automated trash receptacle. I believe a
clarification of the city’s policy would be helpful to the News-Press and
its readers.
The Public Works Division, Integrated Waste Management Section, has a
policy in place for the replacement of any refuse, yard waste or
recycling container that is lost or stolen. These containers are
100-gallon wheeled, “automated” containers that are designed for use in
the automated collection of refuse and recyclable materials.
Although provided free of charge to customers, these containers have a
monetary value of $50 each, and are the property of the city. However,
considering that three containers are provided to each customer, and
there are over 35,000 customers, the total cost to Glendale for the
containers exceeds $5 million.
The city developed a policy several years ago for replacing any stolen
container. The policy is set in accordance with the provisions of the
Glendale Municipal Code, Section 8.44.120, subsection B, which states
that: “Automated refuse containers that are stolen will be replaced at no
cost provided a city police report is filed and a copy of the report is
submitted to the director of public works.”
In an effort to make the replacement process easier, the Integrated
Waste Management Section has coordinated with the Glendale Police
Department. It’s important to note that customers can process all
necessary information via the telephone. The following are steps
residents should take if their refuse container is stolen:
* Contact the Glendale Police Department to report the stolen
container. Police will issue a report or “DR” number.
* Contact the Integrated Waste Management office and provide a brief
report of the incident including which type of container is missing, your
name, address and the DR number issued by the Police Department.
Again, residents are not required to visit the Glendale Police station
or the Integrated Waste Management office. The report may be taken over
the phone and an order for a new container will be processed immediately.
The city’s policy is to have the replacement container delivered
within 24 hours. If a stolen container impacts a regular collection day,
the city will make arrangements for the collection of materials placed in
plastic garbage bags or nonautomated refuse containers until the
replacement container is delivered.
It should also be noted that while the majority of the city is closed
every other Friday, the Integrated Waste Management offices are open five
days a week, excluding the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.
For further information please contact Robert Weger, Integrated Waste
Administrator at 548-3916.
* Bob Weger is Glendale’s Integrated Waste administrator.