Jasper requires weeds mowed, trash bagged

The recent rains are a sure sign that the grass and weeds will need cutting in the near future. Jasper Fire Marshal Stephen Williamson issued a "gentle reminder" that grass and weeds need to be kept below 12-inches in height.

Mowing is only part of the responsibility of property owners. Once the grass is mowed, make sure that the grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs and any other trash are disposed of properly.

City ordinance may settle the old debate on whether the broom or leaf blower is the best. Blowing grass clippings and leaves off your property, whether onto the roadway or onto another property, are a violation of law.

"Legally speaking, the broom is the best, as it allows the debris to be easily collected and disposed of properly," according to Williamson.

Disposing of trash properly means either bagging it for pickup or burning it. If you burn, Williamson recommends that you pick up a copy of the requirements for burning from the Fire Marshal's Office in city hall. The law allows yard debris to be burned, but does not allow household trash to be burned.

If you prefer trash pickup, you can place yard waste in the dumpster if it is bagged and room allows.

Should you have more trash than will fit inside the dumpster, you can take the items to the city transfer station or call customer service at city hall at 384-4651 and place a work-order for pickup.

The transfer station is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week, and 7 a.m. - noon on Saturday (excluding holidays). There is a nominal charge for dumping trash.

Trash collection for items not placed in the dumpster will occur once a month. These items should be placed near the curb, but out of the roadway.

The items must be bagged in 30-gallon or smaller bags weighing less than 40-pounds, or tlimbs must be bundled, not exceeding five-feet long nor more than 18-inches in diameter and weigh less thanb 40-pounds).

The charge is $10 plus 50-cents per bag or bundle. (Except Sept.-Dec. when one pickup of 8-bags or less and two-bundles or less will be collected at no charge).