City of Erie Launches Citywide Inspections to Address Junk and Debris Violations

On April 17, the City of Erie Bureau of Code Enforcement launched citywide inspections as part of an effort to reduce hazardous and unsightly junk and debris and improve public health and safety.

The City is asking all property owners to take responsibility for cleaning up and removing large items, junk, and debris from their properties. While the division of responsibilities between landlords and tenants can vary depending on leases, one thing remains clear: these issues should not fall on taxpayers.

Zone 1 includes the East Side, from 12th to 26th Street between Parade Street and McKinley Avenue. Inspectors will check every property, with each zone taking 1–2 weeks. If excessive debris is found, the owner will receive a courtesy notice as a legal warning and have 14 days to remove it.

After the 14-day period, the property will be reinspected. If violations haven’t been addressed, the City will remove the items and assess a $1,401.27 fee on the next trash bill, along with any administrative charges from Erie Water Works. Multi-unit property owners who don’t pay their refuse bills in full will be denied when attempting to renew their rental registration.

The City encourages residents to take advantage of the free large-item pickup for up to 3 household items per week, such as mattresses, tables, chairs, and couches. To schedule:

• Call 814-870-1550 at least 72 hours before your regular trash night

• Or schedule online at cityof.erie.pa.us/largeitempickup

• Please note: Residents will receive a confirmation code with a designated pick-up night. TVs, computers, monitors, printers, electronics, appliances, tires, construction debris, and hazardous materials are not accepted. For these items, please contact a private trash collector.

However, many of these items, especially electronics and tires, can be safely recycled at the City’s annual Tire & Electronics Recycling Event, on Sat. May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City of Erie Municipal Garage Complex (1926 Holland Street). This event is free for City of Erie residents. Tire drop-off is limited to 6 per resident. Construction and hazardous materials will not be accepted.