A PMUA Dilemma

On my way to the Memorial Day ceremony, I smelled something really bad. A glance down the driveway behind a large apartment building revealed this sight.

Given the PMUA rules on trash overflow, it would seem the property owner is in for a slew of fines. But I saw more examples of this excess trash in my short walk, making me wonder who really owns the problem. Is it the tenant, who at month's end is preparing for a move? Is it related to the holiday weekend? When and how often is this problem repeated? Is a larger receptacle in order?

At a recent meeting, PMUA representatives advised residents that they should hold excess trash somewhere until the next pickup date. But isn't trash in a garage or basement an invitation to vermin?

For many years, despite press notices of suspended PMUA pickup on holidays, the big trucks would rumble up our driveway anyway. We wondered whether PMUA staff got double time or triple time pay for these holiday pickups. Now the pendulum has swung to cracking down on residents who can't stuff everything into the receptacle on a long weekend.

At the May 12 meeting, one resident joked that when presented with a photo of a trash overload, the property owner should mail PMUA a photo of a $50 bill to pay the fine. It got a laugh, but the problem remains.

Phew! Just now a PMUA truck pulled up , wafting a mighty stink into my window. Maybe citizens should mount a revolt to make sure PMUA washes down its trucks in summer.

All these aspects of waste flow and disposal seem to be unresolved even as PMUA touts a proposal to cut back pickups in winter. That might help PMUA's cash flow, but what about the annual winter holiday trash overflow?

The City Council expects to go over PMUA issues at a special meeting at 8 p.m. on July 27 in Municipal Court. Get your questions ready.

--Bernice Paglia