Posted by – Dale Mathes, Code Enforcement Officer

Long ago (when dinosaurs still roamed the earth) I attempted to learn computer skills with the ancient MS-Dos system.  One of the main tenets of this indecipherable system was “G.I.G.O.” which as we all know stands for “garbage in, garbage out.”  Today we’re going to put a fresh perspective on that old phrase and talk about actual garbage.

When it comes to “garbage in” let’s first define “garbage.”  Garbage is basically food wastes from animal matter, fruit or vegetable matter originally meant as food or waste products from the preparation of food.  The storage of this material prior to disposal must be in metal or heavy plastic storage containers with tight fitting lids.

Another type of refuse is rubbish, which is basically solid waste.  This type of refuse may be stored in plastic bags or disposable paper trash bags.  Yard waste, including leaves and grass clippings, may be stored the same way.

As to “garbage out,” first of all determine what day of the week the City’s waste contractor, Waste Management, picks up in your neighborhood.  As that day arrives, set out your refuse, containers and bags, at the curb the night before.  It is important to remember to not have your refuse standing at the curb longer than 24 hours.  Keep in mind that Waste Management observes the following holidays which will cause pickup to be a day behind: New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4^th of July, Labor Day,  Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Also keep in mind these prohibited items: gasoline and motor oil, car and truck parts, hazardous wastes, construction materials, concrete/bricks and tree stumps.

Following the above “G.I.G.O.” guidelines can result in a cleaner, neater, rodent-free Auburn Hills.