WATERLOO - The city may crack down on residents and businesses with overflowing garbage cans.

Waterloo City Council members this week discussed ordinance changes prohibiting everything from trash accumulating around commercial Dumpsters to curb-side collection customers who stuff their containers so the lids won't close tight.

Violations could result in city crews cleaning up the mess and charging the costs and administrative fees to property owners.

"If you've got vermin, maggots and crows on the street (in overflowing trash) they have the right to pick it up without notice" and send the bill to the property owner, said Councilman Reggie Schmitt.

The changes may be welcome news to many residents based on the frequent complaints city officials get about litter strewn around garbage containers or customers who cheat the "pay as you throw" system by getting a small container with a lower monthly rate and then stuffing it like an ice cream cone.

But Councilman Ron Welper cautioned his colleagues about angering constituents who get cited for having their container lid open a couple of inches. And Councilman Harold Getty said he believed enforcement will be more like speeding tickets, with only the most egregious violations garnering penalties.

Waste Management Services Superintendent Larry Smith noted his garbage trucks are equipped with cameras to verify violations. The requirement for closing the lids would not be unique to Waterloo.

"In Cedar Rapids, if it's open more than an inch, they won't pick it up," he said.

The proposed ordinance, which has not been adopted by council members yet, would define anything that doesn't fit in a closed container as a nuisance. Those in violation will get a seven-day order to clean it up, followed by a one-day abatement period for subsequent violations. Property owners can appeal to the City Council.

Schmitt noted people can comply. "They've got the option to get a larger container or get multiple containers," he said.

Related ordinance changes would make it clear that Dumpster lids at commercial businesses and apartment complexes also must have closed lids and should not have litter accumulations on the ground around the containers. The proposed ordinance, as requested by downtown property owners, also would make it illegal for people to sift through someone else's Dumpster, because it often resulted in waste left on the ground.

"There was nothing in the ordinance about Dumpster diving and keeping containers closed," Schmitt said.