TOLEDO, Ohio – The manager of a local Amoco gas station has admitted that his business was responsible for trash being dumped in a nearby neighbor’s yard, but despite promises to resolve the issue, the problem remains unaddressed two weeks later.
Timothy Taylor, the homeowner affected by the trash, reported the issue to the I-TEAM after discovering garbage in his backyard shortly after purchasing the property. Taylor expressed frustration with the delay in cleaning up the mess, which has hindered his ability to move his furniture into the house. “This don’t feel good at all because it’s held me back for like two-to-three weeks now,” Taylor said. “I just want this cleaned up so I can get my stuff in the house and go in and out of the house.”
Taylor reached out to the I-TEAM for assistance several weeks ago. On January 15, reporter Sophie Bates contacted the gas station manager, who admitted that the trash had come from his business. The manager explained that he had hired an individual to dispose of the waste but did not know the person’s name. The manager stated that the worker must have mistakenly dumped the trash in Taylor’s yard.
Following the I-TEAM’s involvement, the manager, who declined to provide his name, offered to work with Taylor to resolve the issue. However, when Taylor was offered $50 to address the situation, he was taken aback. “I couldn’t believe it, like, 50 what? What’s that supposed to do, give me gas money to pick it up and take it where?” Taylor said. “Who am I supposed to take it to with $50?”
On January 29, the I-TEAM revisited the gas station and spoke with the manager in person. Although the manager refused to comment on camera, he confirmed that he would cover the cost of a dumpster to assist with the cleanup. Taylor, while appreciative of the offer, said he would likely take matters into his own hands or enlist the help of friends to remove the debris.
The I-TEAM will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the mess is finally cleaned up and that Taylor’s property is returned to its rightful condition.