Follow trash rules or you'll pay

Scroll to the bottom of this story to see some of the worst offenders.

On the first day the City of Cincinnati could start citing people for putting out the trash the wrong way, three citations were issued.

The citations - issued in Sedamsville, East Price Hill, and CUF - all carry $100 fines.

The people cited have 24 hours to correct the problem. If they do, the citation goes away.

That's not to say only three people didn't follow the rules for Monday's trash collection. Only the most egregious instances of violations of rules warranted a ticket, said Public Services Director Gerald Checco.

The city has been warning residents for a month that this day was coming. Fines range from $50 to $2,000.

The new rules are part of an initiative to clean up the city.

Changes to the city's trash collection policy began in April. The collection program changed from a five-day to a four-day collection schedule. This freed up Public Services Department employees to spend Fridays cleaning up illegal dumping and other eyesores.

City Manager Harry Black explained the changes were necessary to help make sure the Department of Public Services team can best spend their time serving the community.

About the citations

Details about what does and doesn't constitute properly set out trash are available on the Department of Public Services website: http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/public-services/garbage-yard-waste

Additional carts are available. Residents may schedule to pick one up by calling 513-591-6000.