Villager sick of trash put out too early by ‘weekenders’

A Villager is sick of trash being put out too early by “weekenders” who drive away and leave their problem for the neighbors.

Nick Hemes of the Village of Belvedere spoke out on the problem Friday morning before the Community Development District 5 Board of Supervisors in a meeting Friday at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.

“People not using common sense,” Hemes said.

He cited the rule that states that no garbage should be placed out before 6 p.m. on the night before collection

“People are getting lazy, they are putting it out at 10 to 11 a.m. the day before,” Hemes said.

He described the chief offenders as “weekenders.” He said they are Villagers who own their home, but are typically gone Monday through Friday.

He said the bags sit out for days in the heat, which is about to get much worse.

“It’s really offensive to full-time residents,” Hemes said.

It was pointed out that those who need to be absent on trash collection day, could recruit a neighbor to put the trash out for them.

Supervisor Jerry Knoll pointed out that in addition to “weekenders,” short-term rentals contribute to the trash problem. He said enforcement has been challenging.

“We seem to be chasing our tail on this,” Knoll said.