Cleveland trash troubles costly for West Park homeowner

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) — Trash troubles for one Cleveland woman have resulted in a hefty fine.

West Park homeowner Shannon Cachat tells 19 News that she has received two tickets over the past few months citing code violations and costing her $220.

“I got fined for putting out a bulk item on a non-bulk day and unwrapped furniture,” she said.

Cachat feels the penalties are too harsh, because she says the violations were not intentional.

“The couch I put out I did not know that it needed to be wrapped, or else I would have wrapped it,” she said. “I can understand the plight of the city workers and how difficult their job can be collecting the trash. But I think I speak for myself and a lot of other citizens that we wouldn’t want to do anything to make their jobs more difficult.”

The citations come in the mail, with 20 days to pay, but Cachat says, that’s not what happened in her case.

“One of the infractions I had 13 days to rectify it, and the other case I had a mere 3 days to rectify the payment. It is frustrating because in this economy, it’s hard to scrounge up $100 after all your bills are paid,” Cachat said.

19 News asked the Cleveland woman who has lived in her home since 2021 if she ever received a letter or information from the City of Cleveland explaining proper trash disposal procedures, but she says she doesn’t recall.

The Cleveland woman says she’s not out to put up a stink about the trash issue, however, she does suggest giving residents a little grace.

“I think a warning prior to accruing a fine would be appreciated by everyone that lives here,” she said.

The City of Cleveland responded to 19 News by saying:

“We recognize residents’ frustration with citations, especially during a heightened level of sensitivity following the tragic murder-suicide in that neighborhood. At the same time, we also constantly receive trash complaints from residents saying that the City isn’t doing enough to keep our neighborhoods looking clean. Our Public Works Director has communicated and is actively working with the chair of council’s Municipal Services & Properties Committee to find a compromise that works for everyone.”

Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.