At a recent Perry City Council meeting, the Public Works Department voiced some concerns about trash can use around the City. 

Perry Public Works Director Jack Butler says one big thing people should remember when they take their trash cans out to the curb to be picked up is to make sure the lid is closed. Butler explains why it’s important to have the lid closed. 

“We are having some folks that are filling their cans with bags and they are piled up on top and as soon as he grabs it and starts moving that can the bags roll off right down on the ground and typically they catch the side of the arm and they rip open as they fall. So, then the driver is out picking up the garbage. You can have it full, but we ask that you have the lid closed.”

Butler tells Raccoon Valley Radio another issue the garbage truck drivers are seeing is loose paper or packaging inside of the trash can. Butler says this becomes an issue when the driver picks up the garbage can and the contents fall out.

“The one big thing the driver told me about was the packing peanuts that you see in boxes, people are just dumping them in the cans and then when he picks that thing up and starts dumping it as soon as it starts falling out of there, the wind is blowing a little bit, and everything is blowing across people’s yards.”

Butler says another thing people should remember is when they pull their trash can out to the curb the wheels and handles should be pointed back toward their home to ensure the lid opens the proper way when it’s being dumped.