Fines For Improper Trash Disposal To Be Dismissed In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Residents of Morristown may have received a citation for improper trash disposal in recent weeks, but council officials are working to have those dismissed.

The summons issued to Morristown residents were issued prematurely, according to council officials at Tuesday's council meeting. Mayor Tim Dougherty claimed that a warning should have been issued first before issuing a summons.

Dougherty stated that town inspectors have acted prematurely, issuing tickets before receiving authorization from Town Administrator Jillian Barrick and before the town has sent postcards reminding residents to properly secure their trash.

"I am going to speak with the municipal prosecutor. I'm going to ask him that any tickets that have been written in the last couple of days, that they be dismissed until we have time to do proper notice to everyone," Municipal Attorney David Minchello said.

Barrick said that the town is currently in the process of sending out postcards to everyone in town, notifying them of the updated trash code, and that they will make sure to issue warnings before anyone is charged with a citation.

"I apologize to anyone who has gotten summonses in advance of that, but we are in the process of actively getting the word out," Barrick said.

The Morristown trash code was updated last year in response to a resident who complained about the town law requiring the placement of curbside trash into receptacles.

Michael Quattro spoke to the council about a problem with the trash code's lack of clarity. Quattro had received a code enforcement notice, which had resulted in the summons he was facing for putting garbage bags on the curb.

However, the Morristown garbage code only states that all trash must be placed in a garbage container, which is defined as a substantial metal or plastic container or a dark-colored plastic bag that is securely tied shut.

That section of the code was replaced in the new update with a more specific and less ambiguous definition.

Minchello stated that ticketed residents may still be required to appear in front of a judge.

Councilman Stefan Armington also pointed out that, even if the fines are waived, they may still be charged $50 in court fees. Minchello stated that he will try to have those expenses reimbursed, but success is unlikely.

"We can ask. While I can speak to the prosecutor and give a recommendation, the court is autonomous. If they want to issue court fees, they can. We can certainly request that they don't… but I can't say with certainty that they will honor that," Minchello said.