The following general standards shall apply for the collection of refuse in the city:
(1) Standards for refuse containers. The volume of all refuse containers and dumpsters shall be adequate to accommodate the refuse of any residential or non-residential use. Specific standards for containers and dumpsters shall as specified herein and as determined by the director of the department of public works. All refuse containers and dumpsters shall be securely covered except when refuse is being deposited or removed therefrom.
It shall be the responsibility of the director of the department of public works or his designee to determine the adequate volume of all containers and dumpsters.
(2) Unlawful use of containers and dumpsters. No person shall deposit refuse in a privately or publicly owned container or dumpster without the expressed permission of the owner of said container or dumpster.
(3) Disposal of diapers, animal feces, and cat litter. Alldiapers, animal feces, cat litter and similar wastes shall be placed in durable plastic bags adequately sealed before being placed in a refuse container.
(4) Disposal of paints, stains, and similar materials. Paints, stains and similar materials still in their liquid form shall not be placed in refuse containers or dumpsters and shall not be collected by the department of public works as a part of regular collection.
(5) Scavenging and salvaging unlawful. No person shall remove or attempt to remove materials from any refuse container or dumpster belonging to another person or business. All materials placed in a refuse container or dumpster shall be the property of the City of Cookeville or the authorized collector.
(6) Hazardous materials. Highly flammable, combustible, explosive or hazardous materials shall not be placed in refuse containers or dumpsters and shall not be collected by the department of public works as a part of regular collection. Such materials shall be disposed of as prescribed by state and local laws.
(7) Syringes and other medical waste. All syringes and other medical waste shall be placed in sealed, puncture proof containers prior to being placed in a refuse container for collection by the department of public works or the authorized collector.
(Ord. #001-06-08, Sept. 2001, as amended by Ord. #006-10-23, Dec. 2006)