By David Mann, Niles City Council

The Niles City Council has made it a priority to make sure that we improve the residential and commercial areas of our community and, with your help, we can. This process has many areas, one of which is the question that every community has to deal with: how to deal with trash build-up. When a community effectively manages its rubbish, it attracts visitors and residents. Here is a brief excerpt from our code of ordinances, chapter 34 on this subject:
2) “It shall be unlawful for any person to store or accumulate on private property the following:
(a) “Building materials, except in a completely enclosed building or in instances where such materials are being used or are awaiting use in the construction of a structure on the property…
(b) “Ashes, household or yard rubbish or trash, except for such reasonable periods of time as the ashes, household or yard rubbish or trash await regular, systematic removal and/or disposal in accordance with law. Such materials while awaiting removal/disposal shall be temporarily stored in a completely enclosed building, with the exception of yard rubbish and trash which may be temporarily stored either in an enclosed building or at a location on the property where it is as much concealed from public view as practicable.
(c) “Any junk, except within a completely enclosed building, and except as provided by law upon the premises of a duly licensed junk dealer, junk buyer, dealer in new or used automobiles or automobile parts, or dealer in secondhand goods, on a property which is zoned for such use or activity.
(d) “Any inoperable vehicle, except in a completely enclosed building or concealed with a securely fastened fitted cover manufactured for that purpose.
(e) “Any abandoned vehicle.”
By following this code, we can vastly improve the state of our city.
Remember that rubbish is not only unsightly; it attracts rodents, insects and disease. Also, trash stored on property can blow into the street, creating a hazard for drivers.
If you currently don’t have garbage disposal service, you can buy pick-up service from Michiana Disposal for just $15 per month, which includes free recycling and a disposal cart. Their phone number is (800) 722-9710.
Other services include Reliable Disposal at (800) 677-1083 ($19.96/month) and The Garbage Company at (269) 429-3431 ($20/month).
If you currently have a lot of rubbish that has been collecting, the landfill offers great rates to make sure that you are not in violation of the law.
Grass, leaves and wood chips can be deposited for free and a car full of rubbish costs just $8.50 to deposit. If it fits in your trunk, it costs $4.25. A level truck bed only costs $15.75. For more rates and information, you can visit the landfill website at www.seberrienlandfill.org. Rates applicable to residents of the City of Niles. Other areas may vary.  By working together, we can continue to build up this community.
Please feel free to contact me anytime at dmann@nilesmi.org or by phone at (269) 635-1614 if I can be of any help to you.