City officials hosted a public meeting to discuss a proposed Uptown refuse ordinance that would change how trash is handled. The ordinance is designed to reduce street litter and streamline waste disposal by requiring businesses and residents to use city-designated dumpsters, accessible via key fobs. Failure to comply could result in misdemeanor charges.
City officials initially considered providing individual trash cans for each business but struggled with storage logistics. The dumpsters will be placed in city-owned or leased parking lots within half-block radiuses to improve accessibility.
“The locations of these can still be determined,” said Greg Maggard, director of public works. “But we hope that everyone in Uptown will start using the dumpsters.”
Maggard assured residents that the dumpsters would not incur additional charges. “They are painted, and they are pretty, and they look real good,” he said. “You are getting trash removal service now; it’s the same thing.”
Businesses currently using private dumpsters will be allowed to keep them. The city’s new dumpsters will be accessible via key fobs, which can be deactivated if a bill goes unpaid or if a business opts out of the service.
Some residents raised concerns about the potential burden the new system would place on businesses and individuals.
“It would be a transition to us fully doing the service,” said one resident, worried about taking on more responsibility for garbage disposal. Currently, trash is collected five days a week, but inefficiencies in pickup times have led to inconsistencies.
One resident questioned whether the change was necessary. “Where in the world can you go and not find trash out first thing in the morning?” the resident asked. Maggard responded that reducing visible trash, particularly in hot weather, was a priority as Martinsville’s population continues to grow.
A suggestion was made to redesign collection routes for earlier pickups. “I don’t understand why they can’t go through at a set time,” one citizen asked. Maggard explained that a rigid schedule could create issues. “If we are there really early, are you going to miss that window of time?” he said, adding that business hours also factor into pickup schedules. A business owner noted that early morning pickup would not be feasible for his weekend operations.
City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides highlighted staffing challenges in the refuse department. “There is a workforce shortage,” she said. “We would be in trouble without the orange jumpsuits right now,” referring to inmate labor used for city services.
Concerns were raised about potential hazards from flammable or explosive items in dumpsters, as well as increased waste from new apartment developments.
Maggard warned that reducing labor could lead to increased service rates. A resident countered by asking if rates would decrease if fewer workers were needed. “We should be getting rid of employees and getting rid of trucks,” the resident argued. Maggard responded that resources would be reallocated elsewhere in the city.
Some residents proposed a hybrid approach, incorporating both dumpsters and limited traditional trash pickup. “A hybrid approach might work,” said Council Member Aaron Rawls. He noted that other municipalities were studied to determine best practices. “We have not seen any city that just puts it out on the sidewalk.”
Rawls also pointed out that Martinsville’s service rates are comparable to cities with twice-weekly pickup, despite providing service five days a week. “That doesn’t capture the costs properly,” he said, adding that the city spends $60,000 annually to maintain the current system. The physically demanding nature of the job has made it difficult to fill positions.
A business owner expressed concerns that the ordinance would disproportionately impact small businesses while attempting to attract larger investors. “How genuine is the ordinance in being business-friendly?” the business owner asked.
“I don’t think this change is predicated on one or two groups,” Rawls said, adding that liability concerns—especially regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance—must also be considered. If there was an ADA issue with trash, he said the city would be liable.
“To what extent do we address the issue that people get this five-day-a-week service for a two-day-a-week rate?” Rawls questioned, noting inefficiencies in the city’s billing system. Ferrell-Benavides added, “We’re looking at it economically, we are looking at it future-wise.”
Council Member Julian Mei acknowledged the range of opinions from businesses and residents. “There’s countless other people saying, ‘I don’t want trash on the street,’” Mei said. “It’s great to see so many people caring about something in Martinsville.”
Concerns were also raised about long-term costs associated with the key fob system, particularly as Uptown’s population grows. Maggard said that the BB&T building would have its own dedicated dumpster.
Some residents suggested testing the dumpster system in high-problem areas before implementing it citywide. Others worried that physically impaired individuals would struggle with trash disposal.
Rawls emphasized that accommodations would be made for residents with mobility challenges. “We do have some folks in Uptown who can’t walk their trash to the dumpster,” he said. Maggard echoed his sentiment. “If it doesn’t work, we will pivot,” he said. “I don’t care; I just want it to work.”
Additional concerns were raised about trash spillage from broken bags. While some acknowledged that trash bags are often neatly stacked rather than scattered, Maggard suggested that enclosed dumpsters could help mitigate rodent issues. “To counteract any issues, we will need to see it happen,” he said.
The controversial stop sign changes from the previous year were cited as an example of a city policy that was quickly reversed, raising concerns about whether the dumpster initiative would also fail and become a financial burden. Maggard remained open to adjustments. “I’m here to do what’s best for you guys,” he said.
