Council approves free salt sites and backs enforcement ideas to curb mattress dumping

Providence — The council approved two measures aimed at immediate neighborhood-level public services: free salt distribution for residents and steps to address illegal mattress dumping.

Councilman Vargas described an initiative to provide free salt (the same product DPW trucks use) at two locations — one on Jackson Avenue and another near 700 Allen Avenue — so residents could take small amounts for sidewalks. He said stores had run out of salt and that the measure would reduce slipping and improve safety as trucks completed street openings; the motion to waive the reading and pass item 16 carried on voice vote.

On illegal mattress dumping, the council discussed enforcement and cost barriers. Council members noted the city’s current pickup option costs about $60 and that some residents do not pay the fee, and they described proposals to work with police and to promote a free mattress depot at 700 Allen Avenue. Speakers said the problem affects city appearance and cited examples of mattresses and furniture left in front of homes. The motion for item 17 passed and was referred to the Committee on Public Works.