Green trash program has some hiccups

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The capital city just started its new, mandatory recycling program last week, but the problems are already piling up on city sidewalks.

People in Providence's Elmhurst neighborhood say they followed the city's new recycling rules, but their trash was left behind, and will likely sit there for another week.

Marc Gemma says he put his trash out along with his recycling. The bottles and cardboard were picked up, but the trash wasn't.

"I don't really understand because I did what I was supposed to do," said Gemma.

Under the new 'Green up Providence' program, trash is only to be left behind if residents fail to recycle.

Mayor David Cicilline said, "Notices were put on the big green can if people didn't have their recycling out, reminding them that they have to recycle. And this week begins that they will not be picking up trash if you don't have your recycle bins out. So this is an effort to really require people and encourage people to really participate in the recycling program."

Those who forget also received a memo from the city reminding them of the new rules.

Gemma said, "Our neighborhood did not get this notice. I saw this only on Smith Street near the state house."

No memo, and lots of trash in a neighborhood were residents pride themselves on keeping clean streets and following the rules.

"It's not really nice to know that I'm paying my very high taxes and I'm left with this. The city gave us these bins because they wanted to control the rat problem. And in fact now I’m going to be keeping my trash for an extra week," said Gemma.

We also called the Department of Public Works to find out why trash was left behind when recycling was put out, but the department is closed for the holiday.

The city says it may take some time for the new recycling program to run smoothly.