We seem to have a continuing problem with people dropping off trash at our recycling center.

And by “trash,” we mean things that are very much not recyclable and very much not our Streets & Parks Department’s responsibility to clean up.

Our dedicated Streets & Parks employees already have plenty to do. Spending their time hauling away your disgusting garbage is definitely not what they had in mind when they started their day. And just in case you were wondering, the City then has to pay to have your garbage properly disposed of.

As a refresher, papers, plastic bottles, metal cans, glass jars can all be dropped off at the recycling center here in Williamsport. Johnny’s broken bike, Sally’s old dollhouse, and Grandma’s smelly recliner are prime examples of what is NOT allowed to be dropped off. 

There are BIG SIGNS on every dumpster telling you exactly what can be placed inside. We promise they are not there for decorative purposes.

We get it. You see a free place to dump your stuff and think, “Why pay someone to take it when I can just leave it here?”

Unfortunately, that brilliant money-saving strategy can earn you a summary citation starting at $50 plus court costs, and depending on the circumstances, misdemeanor charges and fines of up to $1,000 plus court costs. So congratulations! You just turned “free trash disposal” into a hefty bill.

And just so there’s no confusion, we’ve already issued citations to numerous people who decided the posted instructions didn’t apply to them. So consider this your friendly warning: dispose of your trash properly. Continuing to dump trash at the recycling center will result in enforcement action.

And let’s be honest, if somebody dumped a pile of garbage on your lawn, we have a pretty good feeling we’d be your first call. So let’s all be decent human beings, do the right thing, and treat others like you want to be treated.

Recycle what’s recyclable. Trash what’s trash. And please stop making our Streets & Parks employees clean up after you.

Thank you for your cooperation and for resisting the urge to turn our recycling center into your personal garbage dump.