Hazleton Ordinance Impossible For Some

The Quality Of Life Ordinance was put into place in Hazleton with the intention of making the city cleaner and more enjoyable. But one specific ordinance is impossible for some city residents to follow. "§ 203-7. Placement for collection. C. Garbage shall not be placed on the City streets and sidewalks for collection more than one hour before dark on the day or days scheduled for collection in that section or area of the City" An ad run by the Hazleton City Municipal Authority depicting a sad garbage can and the sun saying "Please no trash when I am out" reaffirms the ordinance. Currently, the sun sets around 8:30 pm. Meaning that city residents would need to place their trash on the curb no earlier than 7:30 Pm. The ordinance has a clear goal of keeping the city sightly, and clean. But many resident expessed concern with the time frame that is given to put out their trash.

With two large industrial parks in the area, there are many residents who work 10 or 12 hour shifts, and are not able to put their trash out in the alotted time due to being at work. And what about the residents who are unable to take their own trash out, and rely upon family members or neighbors to help them? Some residents expressed concerns with being forced to do this task at night, or near night fall in the city due to safety. Hazleton News 1 is a strong advocate for a cleaner city. We participate in clean-ups and encourage others to do so as well. We want to have a more pleasant city just as much as anyone else. But this ordinance sacrifices the feeling of safety for some. It makes tasks hard for some the working class. It makes it hard for those who cannot take their own trash out to get help. Is it worth it?