It’s a problem in many communities.  In Watseka, “dumpster divers’ have become headaches for business owners and city officials.   Now – a city ordinance will require business owners to secure trash receptacles – with locks that the city will pay for. 

The City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday night to impose fines for such garbage violations where business owners aren’t securing their dumpsters.  Violations will be decided in Municipal Court – and most fines would be waived if business owners make efforts to keep problems under control.

Alderman Bennie Marcier led the discussion to decide how much fines may be.  He points out, it’s the ‘dumpster divers’  that pose the problem, but business owners can help solve what’s become a regular, sloppy clean-up effort.

Securing the locking device would be the responsibility of the business.  The City will pay for the lock with cooperation from the garbage collector.