Memphis trash pile not picked up after 2 years despite multiple requests

(WMC Action News 5)
Updated: Feb. 11, 2019 at 9:53 PM CST
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MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - We’re getting answers about a pile of trash that one resident has been reporting to the city for the past two years.

What's more unbelievable is that city crews claimed it was cleaned up dozens of times.

The trash is in the alley behind the houses in Central Gardens. It is also the spot where city trash cans are emptied.

One neighbor who did not want to use his name said there are debris, mattresses, and tires in an alley behind Harbert in midtown.

He's lived on the Central Gardens street for 50 years. He would like to see the mattresses and trash removed.

"We would love to see that,” said neighbor Randall Ellis, who showed us his emails.

Ellis has been contacting the city through its 311 complaint line for two years trying to get the debris removed.

The city repeatedly acknowledged receipt of his complaint and repeatedly listed the complaints as closed.

In one communication Ellis wrote “Looks like this pile of old mattresses will enjoy its second Christmas in Central Gardens.”

Ellis sent one complaint after the other to 311. The complaints are listed as reopened and closed. There are service request numbers, but this mess remained.

Apparently, crews could not find this because 311 lists the address and this is in the alley behind the address.

Another user recommended Ellis call Steve Shular, who last year was hired by Mayor Jim Strickland to handle citizen complaints and neighborhood concerns.

Shular is not over the 311 program, but he emailed Ellis trying to correct the problem and get this stuff picked up.

We contacted Shular who had a manager check it out. He found the debris.

We have been told the trash will be picked up Tuesday morning.

WMC5 was unable to contact anyone from the city about 311 because it was after hours.

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