Best Practices, Garbage/Trash Collection
USE PLASTIC TRASH BAGS PLACED IN CONTAINERS DESIGNED FOR TRASH COLLECTION, INCLUDING LIDS
Sturdy containers keep animals and high wind from scattering trash; bags work best if put out the same morning as collection. Paper bags are not suitable for the curb unless placed inside trash containers.
KEEP CONTAINERS INSIDE - OR CONCEALED FROM VIEW IN BACK OR SIDEYARDS- UNTIL READY TO PLACE AT CURB FOR PICKUP
Trash, even if concealed in containers, detracts from the appearance of the neighborhood and interferes with peaceful enjoyment. Outside of containers, trash attracts pests and can be a health hazard. Avoid placing trash in the front yard until the 12 hours before pickup.
PUT CONTAINERS OUT THE EVENING BEFORE COLLECTION (DUSK) OR EARLY THE SAME MORNING OF COLLECTION (BEFORE 6AM DURING SUMMER; 7AM FROM SEPTEMBER TO APRIL)
Keep the time trash is set out as short as possible to keep scattering and visual impacts to a minimum
PICK UP LOOSE TRASH ON YOUR PROPERTY
Every owner/resident is responsible for trash on the property, regardless of where the trash originated. If everyone works to control situations that lead to creation of loose trash, this problem will greatly diminish. This generally is managed by using proper containers.
IF A COLLECTION IS MISSED, RETURN THE CONTAINERS TO INSIDE STORAGE OR REAR YARD
Leaving trash containers in public for a long period is unsightly; bags without containers will lead to scattering trash throughout the neighborhood.
CARDBOARD MAY BE RECYCLED AT THE LANDFILL; MAY BE PUT IN PLASTIC BAGS; OR MAY BE FLATTENED AND BUNDLED, IN WHICH CASE IT MAY BE PUT AT THE CURB
CONSTRUCTION WASTE MATERIALS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED; AVOID PUTTING OUT LARGE HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS OR HEAVY LOADS (50 POUNDS OR MORE)
HOUSE ASH MAY BE TAKEN TO THE LOWER CONSOL ROAD STORAGE AREA AT FROSTBURG COMMUNITY PARK BELOW THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD DURING HOME HEATING MONTHS; DO NOT PUT ASH OUT WITH YOUR HOUSHOLD TRASH; THIS WILL CREATE A HEAVY LOAD AND ASH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO IGNITE WHEN COMBINED WITH COMBUSTABLE MATERIAL.
BULK MATERIAL PICKUP IS SCHEDULED TWICE A YEAR, SPRING AND FALL; UP TO ONE PICKUP TRUCK LOAD WILL BE REMOVED PER PROPERTY FREE OF CHARGE; WAIT FOR CITY ANNOUNCEMENT
Recycling
The City picks up yard waste (compost material, grass, leaves, brush, and tree branches up to 4” maximum diameter) the first Wednesday of each month from spring to fall. The County Compost site is located 4 miles east of Cumberland at the North Branch Industrial Park from MD 51 (Oldtown Road), Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 6pm.
The City picks up bundled newspaper the second Wednesday of each month from spring to fall. The Hill Street School parking lot site is also available for newspaper, in addition to the Landfill.
Other recycling opportunities are available through the Mountain View Landfill, MD 36 2 miles south of Frostburg, or the Penn-Mar Recycling Center, located just past the Allegany County Office Complex, Kelly Road, Cumberland. For more information, visit www.gov.allconet.org/recycle.
Code Enforcement
City code enforcement personnel will issue warnings and citations in conformance with Article IV of the City Code, which addresses refuse collection. Regulations are established by the Street Superintendant and approved by the Frostburg Director of Public Works. The following are a list of legally required practices which if not followed could trigger enforcement:
• When set out for recycling or for regular collection, cardboard must be flattened and bundled.
• When set out for recycling or for regular collection, brush or tree branches must be bundled in sections no longer than 6 feet.
• No container or bundle may weigh over 50 pounds; if not collected, this heavy material must be broken down into smaller containers or bundles for the next collection; any items not picked up must be promptly removed from the street.
• Containers for refuse must be in good condition; damaged containers that are dangerous for workers may not be picked up and must be replaced; unclean or insanitary containers may be picked up and destroyed.
• Containers or plastic bags may be used; if plastic, the bag must be securely tied. Paper bags can be used only if placed inside a container.
• If containers are vandalized or damaged, the property owner or occupant (tenant) is responsible for cleaning up the resulting debris.
• No loose refuse may be placed anywhere; especially in a stream or body of water (dumping). All refuse must be in approved containers. Scattering of refuse so that it is subject to the elements is also prohibited.
• Unauthorized accumulation of refuse on any property is a nuisance and must be cleaned up within 30 days.
• Containers intended for collection shall be placed in open view adjacent to but not on the public way (not on the surface of the street).
• No hazardous materials are to be placed for collection. The County will hold special collection days for household hazardous wastes, which must be stored. Items may include paint in liquid form, medical waste, radioactive materials, car parts, drums or tanks, septic or sewer wastes, chemical or petroleum-based products. Please visit the County Recycling Office web site for more information.
• Times set for putting out refuse are from 8pm the day before the scheduled collection to 7am the same day, subject to seasonal variations. If collection is missed, it must be removed promptly from the street and stored for the next pickup. No callbacks are allowed.
• Containers are to be put back in storage, out of sight, promptly after pickup.
• Unreasonable amounts from a property may be refused, particularly if there is evidence that trash is being imported to the property and is not generated on site. Occasional large accumulations will generally be picked up. Additional charges may be levied if large accumulations are found on a recurring basis.
If any property owner or tenant receives a City notice or warning, please take care of the problem immediately. Municipal Infraction citations are set at $1,000 if warnings are ignored.
Recycling News
The Frostburg Mayor and Council encourages recycling.
Curbside pickup is available from April through November and include:
1st Wednesday - yard waste pickup
2nd Wednesday - newspaper pickup
The Allegany County Compost Site is located in the North Branch Industrial Park near the old PPG Building. For a complete listing of recycling centers in Allegany County, click here.
In addition to the curbside pickups, there is a drop off site for newspapers, aluminum cans, tin food cans and magazines located by the Frostburg Museum at 69 Hill Street. Used motor oil and antifreeze can be recycled at the Frostburg State University Maintenance Shop on University Drive. Other areas in the county have drop off sites for the same materials.
