East Providence Addresses Trash, Rodent Issues

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A new package of ordinances is in place in East Providence to help address sanitation issues in the city. Littering, automated trash collection and rodent infestations are all included in the new policies, along with fines and violations.

"The City’s newly-launched automated trash collection program, together with the assistance of our residents and business owners staying in compliance of the amended ordinances, will ensure that our city remains clean and litter-free," Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

Under the new automated trash collection program, all waste must be placed in the containers provided by the city and kept covered at all times. Each household or building with four units or fewer will receive one 95-gallon cart, which can be substituted for a 65-gallon bin upon request. Additional carts can be bought from the city. Buildings with more than four units must provide their own waste disposal services.

Trash bags should not be placed on the ground, and nothing should overflow from the bins. Only household trash should be placed in bins. Carts cannot be placed out for pickup any earlier than 3 p.m. the day before. Violators will be fined $50 per day, along with those who put non-recyclable items or trash in their blue recycling cart.

Bulky items, anything that does not fit in a cart, will be picked up by appointment only. Mattresses, box springs and appliances cost $25 each to dispose. These items will be collected by appointment only on Fridays.

Businesses must keep their dumpsters covered at all times. Dumpsters should not overflow and the ground nearby kept clear of any trash. Violators will be fined $50 daily of the first offense, $100 for the second within three months of the first, and $150 for the third within six months.

In addition, any home or business with a rodent infestation must address it immediately, providing rat proofing, eradication and any other necessary steps. Anyone who litters or otherwise illegally dumps items will be fined. The first offense will result in $150 or 25 hours community service, plus repayment of any costs paid by the city to address the issue. The second will result in a fine of $250 or 50 hours community service, and all following will result in a $500 fine or 100 hours of community service.