(a) Preparation of Refuse.
(1) Garbage. All garbage before being placed in refuse storage containers or plastic bags for collection shall have drained from it all free liquids and may be wrapped in paper.
(2) Rubbish. All rubbish shall be drained of liquid before being deposited for collection.
A. Cans and bottles. All cans and bottles which have contained food shall be thoroughly rinsed and drained before being deposited for collection.
(b) Refuse Containers.
(1) All refuse, except cardboard, newspapers and magazines, trash compactor bags, and grass and tree clippings shall be stored in an approved refuse container.
A. Approved for refuse storage containers. Refuse containers used for storage of refuse between collections, except as provided elsewhere in this article, shall have a capacity of not more that thirty-two gallons and shall be made of plastic or metal of a rigid construction suitable for outdoor use. The container shall have suitable handles and tight-fitting covers and shall be watertight. The container shall be kept in a neat, clean and sanitary condition at all times. The filled container shall be of such a weight that it can be handled safely by one person. The container may not have ragged or sharp edges or other defects liable to hamper or injure the person collecting the content.
B. Cardboard, newspapers, magazines and trash compactor bags must be stored between collections in a manner so that they remain dry and do not create a nuisance or a menace to public health or safety.
C. Grass clippings and tree trimmings and similar materials stored between collections must be stored so as not to create a nuisance or a menace to public health or safety.
D. Nothing in this section shall authorize storage of refuse longer than the time between collections. Refuse containers shall be provided by the owner, tenant, lessee, or occupant of the premises. Refuse containers shall be maintained in good condition. Any container that does not conform to the provisions of this article shall be promptly repaired or replaced upon notice. (Passed 5-21-02.)
E. Refuse and refuse containers shall be kept in a location so as not to be visible from the street in front of or adjacent to the residence, business, or property which has refuse collection service, except on the day of garbage collection and the day before garbage collection.
(Passed 8-16-11.)
(2) Refuse placed on the right-of-way line or other approved location for collection shall be in containers or bundles as follows:
A. All type of refuse in an approved refuse storage container.
B. All type of refuse except broken glass or heavy or sharp objects in a sealed plastic garbage bag.
C. Cardboard shall be crushed or folded and tied in bundles which can be safely handled by one person. Cardboard so bundled need not be in containers but must be secured so as to prevent scattering by wind.
D. Newspapers and magazines must be bundled and bound with heavy tape or heavy string. Newspapers and magazines so bundled and bound need not be placed in containers.
E. Compacted trash in a heavy trash compactor bag need not be placed in an approved container.
F. Grass clippings may be placed in a sealed plastic bag.
G. Tree trimmings, hedge clippings and similar material shall be cut to lengths not to exceed four feet and securely tied in bundles for collection. Bundles shall be a size which can be handled safely by one person. Trimmings and clippings so bundled need not be placed in a container.
(c) Notice of Refuse Containers in Violation of this Section. Notice to the individual responsible for maintaining the refuse container which is in violation of this section shall be provided by placing a waterproof notice on the container advising the responsible individual that the container is in a condition so as not to comply with this section and that repair or replacement is required within two weeks. The Commissioner of Public Works shall have the authority to refuse collection service for failure to comply with the notice after the two week period.
(d) The Commissioner may immediately suspend service when the weight or condition of the container, bag or bundle makes it totally unsafe to handle.
(e) Points of Collection. Collection will be made by the City crews from the alley whenever practical. When alley collection is not practical collection will be from the street. Customers will be required to place the refuse in approved containers and on ground level at the right-of-way line of the alley or street from which collection is made, or at such other point designated by the Commissioner. Special arrangements may be made, if deemed necessary, for those customers who cannot bring the refuse to the right-of-way line because of age or illness.
(Passed 5-21-02.)