Issue of the day…

The city has received a citizen complaint regard residential trash containers.  In this complaint, concerns have been raised about leaving trash cans in the front yard “viewable from the street”.  In reviewing the city ordinance, I have found that is NOT legal for residents to leave their trashcans in the front of the residence for more than 24 hours after the trash is collected.  I also understand that this a fairly common practice here in Hiawatha. 

However, the law is clear on this and it is a matter of neighborhood pride and the desire to “KEEP HIAWATHA CLEAN.   Please read the ordinance below and help Hiawatha continue to be a beautiful place to raise our children.  

15-404. CONTAINERS. (a) Residential containers shall have a capacity of not more than 90 gallons. They shall be of galvanized metal or other non-rusting material of substantial construction. Each container shall have a tight fitting lid and shall be leak-proof and fly-tight. All containers shall have handles of suitable construction to permit lifting. Plastic bags manufactured for garbage and refuse disposal may be substituted for residential containers. Plastic bags, when used, shall be securely closed. All garbage shall be drained of all liquids before being placed in bags or containers. 15-19 (b) The city reserves the right to designate the location and length of time refuse and compost containers can be placed in the front yard of any premises. On the day designated for trash collection, the containers shall be placed as close as practical to the location designation of the collection site. Within 24 hours after any container has been emptied, the person or persons responsible for such container shall return the container to the location which shall be concealed from the street in front of each residence or business establishment. If no one is designated as responsible for the removal of the container, then the owner of such property or the tenant of rental property shall be responsible to see that the container is removed from the street in front of each residence or business establishment. (Code 1977, §8.24.065; Code 2007)
Respectfully,

John A. Defore
Chief of Police