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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- For most trash just stinks, for some Ottumwa tenants, it is a nuisance and overflowing.

Tenants on West 5^th Street have not had their trash removed in over a month. Despite a number of calls, their dumpster continues to pile on trash.

“It’s very frustrating because people come up here and think we don’t take care of our trash and I can’t take mine out here because I’m afraid the dogs will get into it and drag it everywhere,” said Rebecca McDowell, a tenant at the apartment.

Rodney Long told Fact Finder he has called his landlord, the health department and waste management, yet the trash continues to grow.

More than just dogs, wind also scatters trash into neighbor’s yards and Long goes feet first to help.

“(I have been) climbing in the dumpster and actually getting inside of it and smashing the trash down to get more garbage in it so it doesn’t have to be all over the yard,” said Long.

Some tenants, such as McDowell, have taken trash elsewhere.

 Fact Finder talked with the Ottumwa Health Department and they said they are working on the situation.

“Well first they told us they were going to get it emptied, then they were going to empty it in sections and hall it to the landfill, but at least as of yesterday they haven’t done that,” said Jody Gates.

In fact, there was substantially more trash there today when looking at Health Department Records.

“Well we have issued notice and we have spoken to the owners.  We have issued them a written notice. Ultimately if the dumpster doesn’t get emptied the city can abate the nuisance and issue civil citations,” said Jody Gates.

Gates told Fact Finder the citations can run up to $750, though the first citation is typically $250 plus court costs.

She told Fact Finder “it’s safe to say this situation isn’t going to be solved before next week sometime.”

She says they cannot issue a citation yet because the law requires time for the owner to comply.

Meanwhile, tenants tell Fact Finder there is nothing but empty promises coming from their landlord. Some say they are refusing to pay rent until things are taken care of and they want to move out.