MADURAI: The Madurai Corporation is preparing to introduce spot fines for improper waste disposal, but residents and councillors have urged the civic body to first strengthen door-to-door garbage collection and ensure adequate bin facilities before imposing penalties. According to councillors, nearly one-third of garbage bins across corporation limits are in poor condition, forcing residents to dump waste in the open. Currently, around 980 bins are in use, including nearly 80 dumper bins deployed only in Zones 4 and 5, closer to the Vellakkal dumpyard. During a recent corporation council meeting, Ward 64 councillor Solai M Raja alleged that shortcomings on the part of the private agency handling solid waste management had resulted in heaps of garbage accumulating along roadsides and in open spaces. He said collection vehicles were seen in his ward only once or twice a week. Residents say adequate bin facilities and reliable doorstep collection should be ensured before fines are introduced.