Indian River County is having so many issues with residents using their blue recycle carts for garbage that they have decided to crack down on violators.
County solid waste officials are checking recycling carts on pickup days throughout the county, targeting neighborhoods and areas such as Colonial Heights, Fellsmere, Gifford, Oslo Park, Stevens Park, Wabasso, and Whispering Palms, according to Antowain Person, landfill foreman for the district.
On residence first offense, they will receive educational material letting them know what is allowed in the container, and a tag on their recycling cart, which will not be picked up.
First offenders find a tag on their recycling bins and educational material about what is allowed in the recycling cart. Waste Management, the county’s collection contractor, will not pick up a tagged container.
On their second offense, Code Enforcement will send them a letter.
If caught a third time, they could receive a citation from Code Enforcement, which may result in up to a $500 fine and the removal their recycling bin.
Sadly, over 400 recycling carts have been tagged this month alone, and hundreds of warning letters have been sent out to residents for their second offense.