There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who put their trash cans back like clockwork and those who leave them out for days.
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Fort Lauderdale is hoping steeper fines will motivate that second group to wheel the carts back where they belong.
First-time violations will trigger a written warning, with escalating fines for repeat occurrences: $50 for a second violation; $100 for a third; and $150 for a fourth violation and beyond.
Those who contest the fine and lose will pay an extra $75 to cover administrative fees.
The problem is among the top five most frequent concerns reported by residents citywide, according to an email blast sent to residents this week.
“People do get upset,” Commissioner Steve Glassman said. “It’s not a big ask to expect people to put them back where they belong. People don’t want the clutter. Maybe this is a tough love way of going about it.”
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Here are the rules:
Remove carts from the roadside on the same day as collection.
Place carts curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, but no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before your scheduled pickup.
Place carts at least 2 feet from other carts, cars, mailboxes, trees, storm drains and utility poles. Never place your cart in a bike lane.
Clean your cart periodically with water and mild, phosphate-free soap.
Keep all trash inside the cart with the lid completely closed.
Store your cart behind the street-facing building line or screen it from public view.
Residents can report violations by calling Fort Lauderdale’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
Susannah Bryan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
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