In response to the inordinate amount of trash and debris that has been set out around town in recent weeks, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch has deployed multiple Michigan City departments to assist the Refuse Department in addressing its backlog.

Trucks and operators from the Michigan City Sanitary District and the Street and Vector Control departments have been out this week clearing as much solid waste as they can.

"We understand that people are probably trying to get rid of stuff before they have to start paying for pick-ups, but all these piles are unsightly," Refuse Superintendent Chris Carter said. "We’re doing our best to start the New Year with as close to a clean slate as we can, but that’s going to require everyone – residents, businesses and the City – to work together."

Special pick-ups for trash collection will be subject to a new fee schedule and other rules beginning Jan. 1, in accordance with amendments the Michigan City Common Council recently passed to Ordinance No. 4751.

Depending on the weight, special pick-ups under three tons will cost a minimum mobilization fee of $25 per trip to a single residential address. For especially large pick-ups, such as those at apartment complexes or businesses, the cost of manpower, equipment and the City’s direct landfill cost will be added to the mobilization fee.

The City will not provide special pick-up for solid waste weighing three tons or more regardless of location. In such cases, the property owner will be responsible for securing their own dumpster and arranging to have it hauled to a landfill or other means of disposal. Apartment complexes and businesses without space for a private dumpster will pay an annual fee of $120 for each additional cart/toter provided.

"We established this fee structure to offset the rising costs the City has been paying for workman’s compensation and damaged equipment related to our overworked Refuse Department," Mayor Angie said. "Public health and safety are priorities, not only for residents but for our employees as well."

A recent rate analysis shows that the cities of La Porte, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Portage, Lake Station, Gary, Hammond and South Bend all charge for special trash pick-ups, return trips, additional trash toters and more.