Surveillance video from a Jacksonville business captured a city worker throwing away a man’s recycling bin.
Jim Beal told Action News Jax he came to his business, Shockboy Studios, last week and noticed his recycling bin was gone.
Beal said he reviewed his surveillance cameras and saw the worker empty the bin, then throw the whole can in the garbage truck.
“It's kind of a messed up situation,” Beal said.
Beal said he has been in his building on Gibson Road since January of 2016. He said he has never had an issue with trash pick-up.
“No idea [why they would do this]," Beal said. “It's kind of a hassle now.”
After hearing Beal’s story, Action News Jax reached out to the City of Jacksonville, and got this response: "Our Solid Waste department will investigate. Will let you know what they advise."
“I just want another trash can,” Beal said.
While Action News Jax was with Beal, a city employee showed up to deliver a new recycling bin.
We tried to get answers about what happened to the other one.
“We're really not allowed to talk to the press,” the city worker said. “I'm just here to bring another can to replace the can. That's all.”
A city representative later said businesses have to register for trash pick-up with the city or one of its contractors.
The city said Beal hadn't done that, and the worker tossed his can in with the trash because it was broken.
Beal said no one ever notified him, and they still haven't.
The City sent the following statement to Action News Jax:
“The City of Jacksonville’s Solid Waste Division and its contractors provide waste collection services to residences at no cost. Commercial businesses with pick-up needs are required to pay for waste collection service. With this service, they are also offered a recycling bin. The business, located on a residential route at 2820 Gibson Rd., is no exception and is expected to pay for waste collection services. In a recent routine service call, waste collection personnel discovered the poor condition of the recycling bin located at the address and replaced it. Upon examination of the business and services provided, City officials discovered that Shockboy Productions has failed to pay for collection services. The City of Jacksonville has no plans to issue fines or penalties, but is, instead, sending a Compliance Officer to educate the tenant of the guidelines for waste collection services.” -Marsha Oliver, Director, Public Affairs
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