As of today, the dumpster program for resident use located at 199 Ledge Road, 68 Houghton Road, and 250 Chestnut Avenue has been terminated. While the Village hoped to continue the program as scheduled until the end of June, I have determined it is no longer prudent to do so. This action has been taken because the waste hauling costs for removing the filled-up dumpsters have now significantly exceeded the amount projected and budgeted for this service. We have experienced greater than anticipated drop-offs compared to past years (necessitating the dumpsters to be emptied more frequently), and significant quantities of prohibited items have been placed into the dumpsters (such as paint, tires, bricks, and cinder blocks). Those factors have resulted in greater than anticipated expenses for the program. Due to the fact the Village has experienced significant revenue loss in the past few months due to the COVID-19 related business closures and reductions and the reduced revenue projections are expected to continue into the future, I did not feel it was prudent to expend additional Village funds on the dumpster program this year.
In past years, the Village has provided the additional dumpsters for resident use during May Clean-Up Month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program was postponed and re-scheduled to May 16-July 1. Scheduling the program for six weeks this year, instead of four weeks, has proved be too ambitious. While residential building and zoning permit fees will continue to be waived until July 1, the dumpsters for resident use will be removed today. While I am disappointed I have to terminate the program early, I am happy we were able to keep it in place for thirty-one days as in past years. The Village apologizes for any inconvenience this decision may cause. Hopefully, this action is mitigated by the fact that Waste Management has resumed regular pick-up service of items left outside of its company issued garbage bins.
If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding this decision, please contact the Village Service Department at 330.468.4363 or me at 330.468.4365.
Jesse J. Nehez, Mayor, Village of Northfield
