Solid Waste & Garbage

Open and uncontained garbage will provide food for flies, rats and mice, and if the situation persists over time, large populations of flies and rodents may develop. Both flies and rats are major vectors of many infectious diseases including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are harmful to the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

Exposed animal wastes can attract filth flies, rodents and wildlife, and the pathogens they carry in their feces are a major contributor of bacteria that contaminates the storm drains and waterways. Many of these pathogens may survive for years in the water and soil.

Yard or construction wastes, such as decomposing grasses will provide breeding sources for lesser houseflies that hover under covered porches throughout a neighborhood, creating a significant nuisance.

Furniture left on neighborhood sidewalks may also be infested with bed bugs, or cockroaches. Bed bugs do not transmit infectious diseases, but both cockroaches and bed bugs do pose a serious public health threat of infesting other homes if the infested furniture is not properly stored and removed prior to being disposed to the landfill by the local waste management company.