Tires in Alley Block Trash Pickup

These tires kept the garbage collectors from collecting trash in the alley parallel to Emerald Street, on the north side, on Thursday morning. The garbage collectors called Department of Public Works inspectors, who came and hauled both the tires and the trash away themselves.

If there had been a fire, a fire truck would also have been unable to get through the alley.

Know who dunnit? The city's Illegal Dumping Bounty Program provides rewards of up to $500 for information leading to a finding of liability for illegal dumping. You can report illegal dumping at 727-1000, the mayor's call center.

The city's Web site asks that the following be reported: a tag number and a description of the people doing the dumping, or their vehicle.

Note: "Persons reporting incidents of illegal dumping are considered third party observers to the violation and may be required to appear at a hearing on the matter." §