Cleveland residents press council on overflowing dumpsters, out-of-town dumping and costs

Cleveland — Residents pressed the Cleveland Town Council on March 12 over persistent problems with the town dumpster and related trash dumping.

During a lengthy public discussion, several residents described repeated overfilling, what they said was out-of-town dumping and household trash and bulky items left at the bin. One resident (S9) said the council “was opening a box” of problems when the town established consolidated dumpsters, arguing the convenience has led to heavy use and municipal cleanup burdens. Another resident (S11) defended the service as a local convenience, saying, “It’s super worth me — convenience, time, my yard,” and urged the council to keep access for town PO-box holders.

Speakers and councilors discussed the program’s finances and operations. Residents cited a town figure of about $4 per resident per month for dumpster service and reported the town pays roughly $450 each time a vendor dumps the container; councilors said the town currently uses garbage-can revenues (roughly $2–$3 per can) to pay for dumpster pickups. Suggestions on the table included negotiating vendor pricing, installing cameras or an access keypad, hiring an attendant for the site, making better use of county resources, or restricting access to PO-box holders.

Councilors said they will research options, including vendor quotes and whether the county would share costs or responsibilities. The council did not adopt any policy or new fees at the meeting; members asked staff to gather detailed cost information and legal options for enforcement and report back.