By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo's new closed garbage totes sent its rat problem to surrounding communities. Now, the county is looking at countywide rules to end the rat migration.
Buffalo's new garbage rules and totes were expensive and at first unpopular. But they worked. The rats went away. Problem is, they didn't go far. Among other areas, neighboring Kenmore and Tonawanda are now experiencing the not-so-welcome relocation of the vermin. But Kenmore is cracking down. On the lids that is. As of October 6th, businesses will be supplied with and required to use closed totes similar to those used in Buffalo. And Kenmore Mayor John Beaumont says residents will have new rules, too.
"All we're asking people to do is to comply with the regulations," said Beaumont. "Really it's no more than getting an approved can, putting your garbage in the can, putting a lid on it and taking it out, not before 4:00 o'clock [PM] before the day of garbage. It's that simple."
It's going to be pretty strict too. Residents will at first get a warning for breaking the new rules. After that the fines start at $50 and range up to a hefty $300. And Kenmore might not be the only place facing some grim new garbage realities. Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick says a comprehensive approach is the only way to chase the rats away for good.
"I think at this moment the issue is to get rid of the rats. And that's what we're chasing is the rats," said Swanick. "And we will look at working with the local governments in the very near future, if they're interested to enact this kind of legislation. And again the county does have the authority to enact this countywide because it is a health issue."
Erie County Health Department officials agree. They say that increased rain is chasing rats out of the sewers and into yards looking for food -- and they bring their diseases with them. But officials admit that the increased cost of a new countywide garbage policy would likely be almost as unwelcome.