Can Blue Barrel Do This?

[Noreaster]

We've had the recent experience with Blue Barrel of them refusing to pick up our trash when a car is parked at the curb near the garbage bin. Blue Barrel says that they have the right to refuse pickup, and it is our responsibility to move our garbage bin to a location without a parked car. This seems absurd on its face --- how can we predict where neighbors and their visitors choose to park on a public street? And if I place the barrel in a "good" space Sunday night, someone may park there just before pickup.
Since Blue Barrel is stonewalling on this issue, can anyone recommend a person/department at City Hall to follow up?
Thanks!!!

[Phil Ellis]

Start at the top - City Manager

[Alpiner]

Have the same problem on my street. Found out last year it is because if they damage the car, they can get sued. Does not seem fair and since my house is across from condos that do not have enough parking, I have to put my garbage out almost 12 hours early and spaced so no one parks a car there. I think the city needs an ordinance against overnight parking in residential areas.

[Noreaster]

Thank you both for your feedback!
Ironically, Blue Barrel insists that bins be placed on the sidewalk, not in the street.
I'm going to follow up with the City Manager.

[Phil Ellis]

Put the bins on the curb and cars will definitely park in front of them.

[Alpiner]

Mine are in the street and I actually have had someone move them to park.....and this is in front of MY HOUSE!

[Phil Ellis]

Maybe you can get them to put them away after they have been emptied.

[lvogel]

Got the same kind of notice from blue barrel.  The problem for us is that our street is so small and if there are cars on the street (which they have every right to be), then the only place you can put them is ON the street, and not the curb. 

We put ours on the street as Alpiner does; spread them apart (about the size of a midsize vehicle).

Remember the day when the refuge collectors would actually get out of their trucks and put the cans on the lifts...ahh, memories.

[Local Democrat]

Now that Waste Management/Blue Barrel has the monopoly in the SCV, I am surprised that they don't make us deliver our waste to their dump 

LD

[Phil Ellis]

Now that Waste Management/Blue Barrel has the monopoly in the SCV, I am surprised that they don't make us deliver our waste to their dump 

LD

You didn't get the memo?

[Noreaster]

Answer: No they can't!
City Manager Ken Pulskamp gave a thorough and thoughtful reply to my inquiry. 
To sum up, Blue Barrel must empty all bins.

Here's Ken's response:

"Thank you for bringing your concerns regarding Blue Barrel Disposal's service to my attention. Staff presented your concerns to Blue Barrel's route manager to remind them of their service requirements, which includes manually moving carts if they are blocked by automobiles in the public right-of-way. Blue Barrel's representative stated that their company has a "Tag and Take" policy which means, their drivers are required to manually move the cart, empty the cart using the automated arm on the truck, and tag the cart to remind the resident to place the cart in an area where their collection vehicle's arm can service the cart in the future. Unfortunately, there is no way for the driver to tell whether the cart or the vehicle was placed at the curb first. Regardless, the cart is required to be emptied. Blue Barrel's route manager will remind all drivers at their regular safety meeting scheduled for  February 3, 2010 , to manually move carts that are blocked by vehicles and have them emptied."

[Alpiner]

I think the city may need to look into overnight parking restrictions in several residential areas.