Residents of Staten Island, New York are being prompted by the local law enforcement, NYPD, to exercise unwavering caution as incidents of trash bin thefts surge. A specific area noticing a surge is Tottenville, under the surveillance of the NYPD’s 123rd Precinct. An alert was disseminated on December 20, advising locals on the current, unusual spike in these thefts.
The issued notification communicates, ‘We are experiencing a noticeable rise in thefts of garbage bins.’ As a precaution, the precinct has advised locals to secure their bins by tying them down when not lined for collection. In addition, a space is provided on the bins for writing down addresses, the residents are advised to utilize it in a bid to prevent thefts.
The theft of these bins poses a problem that extends beyond annoyance; it hits residents where it hurts most – their wallets. Involved in this issue is the city’s recent mandatory composting program, which, over the past few months, has taken a more pronounced role in the lives of the city’s residents.
In light of this new composting program, residents are required to separate their organic waste from general garbage. This organic refuse then needs to be placed in a unique bin for collection, distinct from the regular trash bin. At present, these specific 21-gallon bins for composting are accessible for purchase via a private vendor, costing each household $43.47.
However, if residents prefer to purchase alternative composting bins, they are allowed to do so. The condition attached to this is that the alternative bins should not exceed 55 gallons, they must have a secure lid, and must be labeled with a complimentary composting decal. The freedom to choose alternative bins provides flexibility for residents.
Unfortunately, if individuals fall victim to bin theft, they are confronted with the unwelcome situation of having to pay for a replacement. Consequently, there might be instances when residents, after losing their compost bin, might show some reluctance or even disregard towards acquiring a replacement bin.
However, residents are advised to reconsider this negligent approach as the city has put forth certain guidelines which may influence their decision. There is a temporary reprieve, a grace period of three months, specifically for collection of yard waste. An even longer respite has been granted for food waste and food-soiled materials that stretches until April 2025.
Once these periods of leniency expire, punitive measures aimed at ensuring adherence to composting directives will be put in place. These include penalty charges for individuals who fail to implement the composting regulations set by the city.
Residential buildings, particularly those with less than nine units, will be subjected to a fine system based on the frequency of the offense. If they commit a first offense, they are liable to pay a fine of $25. Second-time offenders will be charged twice the amount of the first fine – $50.
If such buildings continue to disregard the rule repeatedly within a 12-month period, the fine will then increase to $100 for every violation post the second offense. By such means, residents are strongly encouraged by the city to maintain compliance with the composting protocol.
Meanwhile, larger residential buildings consisting of nine or more units face a different set of fines. A first offense would draw a penalty of $100. If larger residential units commit a second offense within a year, the charge is doubled to $200.
In the event of repeated non-compliance beyond the second offense within a single year, the penalty further escalates to $300 for every subsequent violation. The incremented fine structure aims to serve as a deterrent to violations and ensures the effective implementation of the city’s composting regulations.