By: Joseph L. Kuchie

SOUTH AMBOY – South Amboy Business Administrator Camille Tooker suggested changes to the city’s garbage codes at last Wednesday’s business meeting.

Business Administrator
Camille Tooker

The first code that Tooker discussed was 79-2, which states that empty trash receptacles must be taken off the street no later than 6 p.m. the day of collection. Her recommendation to the council was to change the time to 8 p.m. to allow residents who come home late from work more time to get the receptacles off the curb.

“That’s early…a lot of people might not get home until after 6 p.m.,” Tooker said. “I’m recommending that it be 8 p.m.”

The repercussions for violating these codes were also discussed. Currently any resident that receives a summons for violating these code are required to appear in court, but Tooker believes residents should only have to pay a fine.

“In a situation like this I would like you [the council] to consider to waive that and allow people to pay the fine,” she said.  “It’s a hardship for them to take a day off to come to the court”.

However, the council agreed that this potential change should only affect first time offenders. It was recommended that those who violate the code more than once still appear in court.

Tooker added that the city was “not looking to punish anyone” but that they “want the town to look the way it’s supposed to look.”

It was also announced that residents could now co-mingle recyclables using their 20 gallon blue container. Cardboard should be broken down and tied but the maximum size has been expanded from 24” x 24” to 48” by 48”.

Newspapers may be mixed in with everything or be placed in paper bags or tied but plastic bags are not permitted to hold recyclables. More information can be found on the city’s website.

Councilman Tom Reilly was not in attendance. The South Amboy city council will hold their next council meeting next Wednesday, April 15th at 7 p.m.