North Toledo trash pile gone within 24 hours of 13 Action News story on unanswered complaints

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) — A pile of trash that had accumulated for three months on the corner of Manhattan and Elm streets in North Toledo was removed Friday, less than 24 hours after 13 Action News highlighted residents’ repeated, unanswered requests for help.

The debris — which included a mattress, a broken toilet and overflowing bins — was hauled away by Republic Services after the company was contacted about the issue.

Neighbor Kathy McCollum, who had been among those pushing for the cleanup, called to report the news Friday morning.

“I was so happy, I want to thank you so much, they came this morning, and picked it up. I’m so happy,” McCollum said.

McCollum said she and other neighbors had spent months trying to get the trash addressed through other channels before turning to the news.

“No one else, not just me, I called, and other people on the street called. Our last resort was you, and we thank you,” McCollum said.

McCollum said neighbors had been working to keep the area clean but could not get anyone to address the trash pile until the story aired. She said she hopes other neighborhoods facing similar problems do not give up.

“We’re trying to keep the neighborhood together. If more people join in in their neighborhood and call 13 Action News… I see for my own example that you guys get it done,” McCollum said.

Residents said that while they are relieved the trash is gone, they hope future blight issues can be resolved without having to contact the news first.

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