Garbage Bin Thefts Force City to Charge for Stolen Cans, Unless Residents Act

With reports of at least five garbage and recycling carts stolen from Port Washington residents since February, the city is asking for action from citizens to avoid having to pay fees for the thefts.

A press release from the city says:

"Due to a recent theft of garbage and recycling carts, the City of Port Washington is requesting that all residents record the serial numbers of their garbage and recycling carts and report these numbers to the Department of Public Works. Starting May 1, 2013, any garbage and recycling cart that is stolen from a residence in Port Washington and the property owner and/or the city does not have the serial numbers, will have to pay Advanced Disposal to replace the garbage and recycling cart."

City Administrative Assistant Judy Klumb said the serial numbers will help officials to identity, for example, when a home was two garbage bins where the "extra" one belongs.

"We dont know why they're being stolen or where (they're going)," Klumb said. "If we get the serial numbers, at least we can go up to these houses and look at (the carts) and if its one that is missing (we can return it to the correct home)."

Advanced Disposal, the company who collects the city's trash, will charge for the bins and those fees will be transfered to residents who don't have their serial numbers on file.

"If we don't have it, we can't find it ... we'll have to charge them for it," Klumb said. "I don't understand why people would do this ... but we have to be careful." 

Citizens should call 262-284-2600 or email jklumb@ci.port-washington.wi.us with their serial numbers, or with any questions.