DCRA Investigation Results in Trash Company Paying $78,000 in Fines After Years of Violations
DCRA is pleased to announce that Bates Trucking Company Inc., a trash hauling company, agreed to pay a settlement of $78,000 in fines for operating outside of the permitted operating hours and without a basic business license in the District of Columbia.
“District residents have a right to a reasonable level of peace and quiet during the overnight hours. When we hear from residents that a private trash company is operating late at night or early in the morning when people are sleeping, we take action,” said DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah. “While cases against companies like Bates Trucking Company may take some time to resolve, we want to send a clear message to business owners who are operating without the proper licenses and not following the regulations set forth by the District government that their actions will not be tolerated.”
Several residents complained to DCRA that Bates Trucking Company was operating unlawfully during nighttime hours, defined as 9pm to 7am, within 300 feet of a residential area. A DCRA investigator followed up on the complaints and observed Bates Trucking Company operating in violation of the permitted hours. Bates Trucking was issued several Notices of Infraction, which carry fines. Bates Trucking Company continued to violate these regulations while fines and interest for unpaid fines continued to grow.
Additionally, Bates Trucking Company obtained a basic business license to collect solid waste from March 1, 2016 through February 28, 2018. After their basic business license expired in February 2018, Bates Trucking Company continued to do business in the District without renewing its license. DCRA investigators issued Bates Trucking Company a notice revoking licenses for three solid waste vehicles on October 19, 2018 for operating without a basic business license and using vehicles for collecting solid waste without the proper licenses.
DCRA referred this case to the District’s Office of the Attorney General to collect on any outstanding fines and order Bates Trucking Company to cease operations until it obtains a basic business license and separate operating licenses for any of its vehicles collecting waste.
“District law requires businesses that haul trash to possess valid licenses, operate only during certain time periods, and promptly pay any and all fines imposed on them,” said Attorney General Karl A. Racine. “Today’s settlement holds Bates Trucking accountable for operating without a license, illegally collecting trash during early morning hours, ignoring D.C. government enforcement actions, and failing to pay thousands of dollars in fines. The Office of the Attorney General will continue to collaborate with DCRA to crack down on businesses that chronically refuse to follow District law.”
To submit a complaint for a trash truck company operating outside of the permitted operating hours please contact DCRA by completing this Complaint for Trash Truck Noise form or calling 202–442–4400.
