Business Owners Responsible for Removing Trash

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Mobile City Council has approved a new litter ordinance. It goes into effect October 1, and it requires business owners to make sure their property is trash free regardless of who put it there.

City officials said business and property owners need to devise a plan now on how to keep litter off their property to avoid fines.

The new ordinance will hold business owners like Jawinze Sullivan for trash his patrons may leave behind. Sullivan owns Sullivan's Cuts. Starting October 1, the dumpster at his shop will have to be enclosed.

"I think if you keep your dumpster clean and debris from around it, you shouldn't have to do it," said Sullivan.

The cost can range from $300 to $1,000. It is a cost Sullivan worries will be burdensome on small businesses.

"To go out there and spend an extra four or five hundred extra dollars to put up something to enclose a dumpster. It doesn't make sense," said Sullivan.

City officials said the move is not to be a burden or hurt small businesses. The city said it is willing to work with owners who may be struggling financially. If cited for open dumpsters, liter, or an improper amount of receptacles for trash and cigarette butts, owners could face fines starting at $250.

Senior Director of Planning Development Dianne Irby said the city is done with warnings.

"We want them to keep things clean on their own instead of having a notice of violation and reminders," said Irby.

The new ordinance applies to shopping center and apartment complexes as well.

"It's really up to the owners and tenants to say, 'Do we have litter problems on our parking lot and on our sidewalks and entrances to our different establishments? And if so what are we going to do about it?'"

In addition to the Mobile Police Department, Irby said the city's property maintenance group will help enforce the litter ordinances through citations and fine. Irby said the city is in the process of cross training more employees to issue citations and plans on hiring a new director for the Property Maintenance Group to help tackle litter and blight.

CLICK HERE to read the ordinance.