Residents who park their vehicles poorly along narrow roadways during the times for garbage pick-up, run the risk of not having their garbage or that of their neighbors collected. That’s according to Operations Officer at the Solid Waste Management Mr. Valentine Heyliger. Mr. Heyliger noted that garbage truck drivers have been advised not to drive down roadways and areas where it is almost impassable to avoid causing any damage to people’s vehicles. “We’re putting the onus on the persons living there because if a stranger comes in there and parks badly on a schedule day, we (won’t) come back there. You will have to wait on the following week (for garbage collection),” Mr. Heyliger said. “The days when they’re supposed to collect and
they know its collection day, persons should look out and make sure no one is blocking (the roadway),” he added.

The SWMC official explained that in the past, trucks have attempted to maneuver these areas and consequently, if any damage was caused to the parked vehicle, it proved costly to the corporation. He noted that sometimes, cars are parked on both sides of the roads and at times, the SWMC’s drivers are accused of trying to squeeze through areas, even when they avoid driving there. “Sometimes we have to argue our case,” he said, adding that vehicle owners tend to demand a lot of money even for a small scrape on the vehicle.

For Mr. Heyliger persons who fail to comply with the request of the SWMC, would likely not have their garbage collected. He also noted that sometimes residents have difficulties with persons who do not live in in the area but who park during pick up hours. He appealed to residents to be more vigilant in this regard. He said this problem usually happens on Maynard Street in Newtown, Walwyn Ave in St. Johnson’s Village, John England Village in St. Peters, Monkey Hill and occasionally in some rural areas.

Meanwhile, Mr. Heyliger is once again appealing to residents not to put out their garbage before the scheduled pick up time. “That is illegal. Persons would know that the collection day is Friday. This happens on Lozack Road and Seaton Street. All Monday Tuesday, garbage out there…we don’t mind if you put it out Thursday but not Monday and Tuesday,” lamented the SWMC Operations Officer.