Photo courtesy Pxhere

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Nov. 14, 2019) An ordinance revising some of the rules in the town’s trash code and waste collection services was intro- duced to the Berlin Town Council Tuesday.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the updates to the trash code were minimal, and included punctuation changes.

The town offers to collect yard waste, bulk waste and live-cut Christmas trees from “improved, occupied single-family residential properties” each year, according to the policy. Bulk and yard waste are typically collected in the spring and fall while the trees are retrieved in January.

Once approved, the updated special waste collection policy will take effect on Jan. 1.

“Bulk waste is defined as waste items not considered to be normal household trash/refuse, recyclables or yard waste,” the policy states.

Anyone participating in bulk pickup should call the town at 410-641-2770 by noon on the Monday of the designated week, according to the policy. Those with questions concerning special collections should call the town’s public works department at 410-641-4001 or email Superintendent Dave Wheaton at dwheaton@berlinmd.gov.

Town officials are limiting free bulk pickup collection to three items, according to the updated policy. A box or bag weighing no more than 50 pounds is considered one item.

Area residents with more than three pieces should fill out a bulk waste collection form and turn it in by noon on the Monday of the specific week, according to the policy.

A $25 fee will be applied for more than three items, with $25 per additional item “payable prior to collection.”

Berlin resident Marie Velong took issue with the additional fees being paid up front because of the “scavengers” who often take items from the curb before collection.

This prompted an exchange between Velong and Mayor Gee Williams, who backed the new policy.

“Well, that’s our belief on this and we’re responsible for doing something about it, and if you’re offended by it, I’m sorry, but we’re not going to let this town become trashy after all the years,” Williams said.

“Well, you’re going to encourage it by charging for it,” Velong replied. “This is a service to clean up a property.”

The disagreement between Velong and Williams continued.

“We have to, somebody has to protect the standard of living in this town,” Williams said. “There’s a quality of life here that apparently some people don’t recognize or appreciate.”

“How does that, I don’t understand what you’re saying at all? How does that affect quality of life?” Velong asked. “That’s people getting rid of stuff that’s improving their properties.”

The following items are permitted for bulk pickup: furniture, carpets/rugs, mattresses, tables and chairs, toilets, sinks, and appliances/electronics, ac- cording to the policy.

Fleetwood cited health concerns as a reason for bedding to be wrapped in bags prior to collection.

According to the policy, the following items should not be included in bulk pickup collection: hazardous waste, paint, yard waste/brush, propane tanks, chemicals, insecticides, automotive flu- ids, and tires. Area residents should not place any construction materials including doors, windows, cabinets, counter- tops, and drywall for collection.

Leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and cones, and garden waste should be placed into a paper or plastic bag for yard waste collection, according to the policy. Brush bundles should be cut into 4-foot bushels no larger than 18 inches in diameter.

All decorations should be removed from the trees prior to disposal, according to the policy.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Nov. 25.