Cleveland Residents Fined for Curbside Violations

In August, the Cleveland City Council lifted a moratorium on fining residents for curbside recycling and garbage violations. Since the moratorium was lifted, the city has issued 3,132 citations—totaling more than $387,000 in fines—for curbside violations.

According to a Cleveland.com report, data shows that only 14 percent of the residents cited have paid their fines. However, after 20 days of delinquency, a $100 fine is increased by $20, and if unpaid after another 20 days, the fine is increased by $40, according to the report.

According to a city ordinance, the law was designed to assure that correct containers are used for household garbage and recyclables.

Cleveland.com has more details:

During the three months since City Council lifted a moratorium on fining residents for curbside garbage and recycling violations, the city service department has issued 3,132 citations for more than $387,000 in fines, a data review by The Plain Dealer has found.

The new data shows only about 14 percent of the individuals cited have paid their fines since the controversial policy of imposing fines was reinstated Aug. 1. The amount collected totals $53,580.

There is a loophole in the city ordinance governing violations, said Obie Shelton, a spokesman for the Cleveland Clerk of Courts office, which collects the fines.

Read the full article here.