Neighbors talking trash

Robert Chacon

Widowed octogenarian Betty Shermer works out seven times a week, mows

her lawn and has lots of energy, but she doesn’t know what to do

about her new trash cans.

Trash hauler BFI delivered two new 90-gallon containers to Shermer

and her neighbors on the 4600 block of Janvier Way two weeks ago, but

Shermer, who lives alone, said the containers are too big and

cumbersome, and she has no space for them.

Her home has a steep driveway, and pushing the trash cans up and

down it would be too difficult, she said.

She’s not alone. Across La Crescenta, residents are complaining

about the 90-gallon trash containers that were delivered by waste

management company BFI.

“We can’t fill them up,” said Judy Hoeptner, who lives on the 2400

block of Fairmount Avenue. There is only room for two of the trash

cans in the trash storage area on the side of her home. The other is

kept behind some bushes in the front of the house. “My husband and I

need to double up on the trash can to get it up the driveway, and

that’s only when it’s half full.”

BFI uses a three-trash can system. One is for trash, another for

recyclables, and another for yard waste.

Mike Wenrich does not mind the size of the trash cans. He owns a

home on a corner lot and his family produces a lot of trash. The only

problem is that he is no longer allowed to curb the six to eight

trash cans that held all his trash.

The trash he does generate does not fit into the one receptacle

meant for trash.

“I’ve been downsized,” he said, adding that he will have to use

his neighbors’ trash cans in the future.

BFI officials said that residents can request smaller trash cans

or extra ones by calling (888) 742-5234. They will be delivered the

next trash pick-up day.