Starting June 1, 2021, a new garbage can program may start for Jamestown Board of Public Utilities solid waste customers.

During Monday’s meeting, David Leathers, BPU general manager, said officials are planning to start a citywide garbage can program. He said the program will be similar to when the BPU started the recycling credit program in March 2014, which is when orange recycling bins were issued to customers. He added that each customer will be issued a 95-gallon garbage can, which will include a lid.

Leathers said anyone wanting a second can will be charged. He said if a customer is negligent with the garbage can and it needs to be replaced there will be a $60 charge and a $20 fee for repairs. He added that if a can needs to be replaced or repaired because of normal wear and tear, the customer will not be charged.

BPU officials are proposing to do away with the excess bag fee because it won’t be needed with the new garbage can program, Leathers said. He said many solid waste customers don’t use a garbage can and the new can program will improve the aesthetic view in neighborhoods with fewer garbage bags being left on the terrace. He added anyone not following the rules of the new program will be charged, like if they just place a bag on the curbside.

Next year, Leathers said customers who put their garbage out before the 6 p.m. start time or leave their empty can out for several days after it has been collected might start to be fined $25. He said the BPU is looking to charge abusers of these two rules. He added that BPU officials won’t be policing the policies, but possible fees will be complaint-driven by other neighborhood customers.

Leathers said customers will need to apply to be issued a 35-gallon instead of a 95-gallon if they want a smaller can. The discussion on the new garbage can program while discussing the solid waste division 2021 budget. Leathers said there is no anticipated rate change for the division. The BPU will vote either in October or November on the 2021 solid waste budget.

The district heating budget was also discussed during the meeting. Leathers said there is no anticipated rate change for district hearing in 2021.