There shall be a Department of Sanitation within the office of and under the supervision and direction of the Mayor. The Superintendent of Sanitation is hereby made and shall be, ex officio sanitation inspector and shall be adequately equipped and supplied with personnel and equipment to properly and satisfactorily carry out the essential public service of collecting, removing and disposing of refuse produced in the households and places of business of the citizens of the City. The Superintendent of Sanitation shall have, and is hereby given, authority to prescribe, publish, promulgate and enforce any and all reasonable rules and regulations deemed by him necessary or proper, consistent with this article, to carry out the objects and purposes hereof and for the safety and health of the citizens of the City in respect of the collections, removal and disposal of refuse. (1978 Code Sec. 12-4.)