ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in Albuquerque say they plan to enforce an ordinance meant to keep residents from overstuffing their garbage carts.
Notices went out this week to 155,000 people, saying they would have to pay $15 if they violate the ordinance three times.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the city is authorized to charge the fee but never has done so.
Residents also could be fined for leaving their garbage cans too close to parked cars.
The city's director of solid waste management, Jill Holbert, says a private company that serves residents outside Albuquerque has similar penalties.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.