Trash Flows Over, on 1200 Block of E

On Monday, trash was overflowing again from the trash bin next to 501 12th St. NE, on the 1200 block of E Street. The trash was gone by Tuesday, though bulk items, including a mattress, remained.

The Corner Forum first started documenting the state of the trash bin in the Dec. 9 issue. It's my intention to keep documenting overflows, and, with a few more pictures, take the documentation to the city or to the courts, for help resolving the situation. If you are also bothered by the trash situation, please let me know when you see an overflow and I will come take a picture.

Dale Lipscomb (301-779-4208), vice president of operations for Goode Trash Removal, based in Hyattsville, said Wednesday that his drivers had reported the overflowing trash to him. His company was recently hired to haul the trash.

Mr. Lipscomb said he had called Independence Management Company, the owner and manager of 501 12th St. NE, on Tuesday and had suggested either increasing the number of trash pickups to three per week, from the current two, or building a fence around the trash bin to make it less inviting for neighbors not living at 501 12th to illegally dump their waste in.

He said Independence Management did not express interest in either of those ideas.

According to the D.C. municipal regulations, (707.3) "If containers are used for the storage of rubbish, or a combination or rubbish and food waste (garbage), a sufficient number shall be provided to store such solid wastes which may accumulate on the premises during the usual interval between collections" and (708.9) "When stored in the open, metal or fiberglass containers or receptacles must be kept securely fastened at all times."

According to the online D.C. Real Property database, Independence Management owed the city $55,283.80 in property taxes as of Wednesday and owed the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority $30,737.03 as of Thursday — both for 501 12th St. NE. I reported the overflowing trash to the mayor's call center (727-1000) on Monday and was given confirmation number 19053.§