§ 17-04 Specifications for Containers Used for Containing Compacted Refuse.

   (a)   As used herein the term "container" shall mean any container used for the storage of compacted refuse, including, but not limited to any such bag, sack, box, bin, barrel, tub, or tube.

   (b)   Containers shall have been evaluated and approved by the Department of Sanitation pursuant to the performance standards and specifications of the Department for the approval of refuse compactor systems. The manufacturer or distributor of such containers shall submit a certification with his request for container approval listing detailed specifications of such containers attesting to the container's compliance with the performance standards and specifications of the Department and setting out any conditions relevant to the use of such container, including a list of compactor systems with which the container is compatible. Such performance standards shall include without limitation the following:

      (1)   Containers shall be capable of containing refuse with an output density range of from 450 pounds to 700 pounds per cubic yard (16.7 pounds to 25.9 pounds per cubic foot) unless specific approval of an alternate capability is made by the Department of Sanitation.

      (2)   Containers shall during filling in the course of evaluation not allow tears or punctures in excess of one (1) inch in more than ten (10) percent of observed samples, and shall during handling in the course of evaluation not allow tears or punctures in excess of one (1) inch in more than ten (10) percent of samples.

      (3)   Containers shall not allow their contents to spill from tears or punctures.

      (4)   Returnable containers shall be capable of easily discharging their contents by gravity.

      (5)   Containers shall be of unit construction when supplied to users and shall not require additional components to be considered ready for use, unless specific exception to this requirement is given by the Department of Sanitation pursuant to 24 RCNY § 17-04(b) above.

   (c)   Containers shall not exceed four (4) cubic feet in capacity unless specific approval of a larger capacity is made by the Department of Sanitation pursuant to 24 RCNY § 17-04(b) above.

   (d)   Containers shall be free of jagged or sharp edges.

   (e)   Containers shall be of high opacity and not transparent.

   (f)   Labeling: On or after January 1, 1974, each approved disposable container or sealable separate section shall be marked with an approved logo along the center of its widest side and the applicable identifying model number registered with the Department of Sanitation. If enclosed in an outer wrapping, said wrapping shall be similarly marked. Such logo shall be no less than 1 percent of the area on which it is marked, but not be less than one square inch in size. Display of such logo on disposable containers and wrappings or sealable separate sections shall be deemed the manufacturer's or distributor's certification that such disposable containers and wrappings or sealable separate sections conform in detail to the specifications of the prototypes evaluated and approved by the Department of Sanitation and to the specification set forth in the certification submitted pursuant to 24 RCNY § 17-04(b) above.

Each disposable container and wrapping or sealable separate section shall have marked thereon the name and address of the principal place of business of the manufacturer or distributor of the same and a code identifying the date and location of container manufacture. From and after the respective dates of the foregoing amendments, the approved logo for bags and retail packages of bags which meet the specifications set forth in 24 RCNY § 17-02 or 24 RCNY § 17-03 of the said Tripartite General Order No. 1 shall be as illustrated in Box A below, and the approved logo for disposable containers, wrappings and sealable separate sections which meet the specifications set forth in 24 RCNY § 17-04 of the said Tripartite General Order No. 1 shall be as illustrated in Box B below.

§ 17-05 Requirements for Employment of Bags and Containers Meeting Specifications Set Out in 24 RCNY §§ 17-02 , 17-03 and 17-04 .

   (a)   Bags and containers which meet the specifications approved under this order:

      (1)   shall not be filled so as to prevent the effective closure thereof;

      (2)   shall not weigh more than 100 pounds when filled;

      (3)   shall be in such condition as to hold their contents without leakage;

      (4)   shall be effectively closed;

      (5)   when stored in the building shall be kept in a metal receptacle or rat-proof and fire-proof room;

      (6)   when awaiting collection outside the building, shall be removed from any metal receptacle and shall be neatly stacked in front of such building.

   (b)   Containers which meet the specifications approved under this order shall not contain compacted refuse bound with non-combustible ties.

   (c)   The Commissioners of the Department of Sanitation or Housing Preservation and Development or Health may conduct or order the manufacturer or distributor of any product displaying a logo as provided in 24 RCNY § 17-04(f) to conduct in an independent testing laboratory selected by any such administrator or commissioner, such tests as are necessary to determine whether such product is in conformity with the provisions of this order. The expenses for all such tests shall be borne by the aforementioned manufacturer or distributor. Such Commissioner may require such appearance of any manufacturer, distributor, retailer or user of any product displaying a logo as provided in 24 RCNY § 17-04(f) as are necessary to determine if a violation of any of the provisions of this order has occurred.

§ 17-06 Amendment and Repeal.

This order may be amended or repealed only upon joint order of the Departments of Sanitation, Housing Preservation and Development and Health pursuant to Section 1043 of the Charter.

Subchapter B: Tripartite General Order No. 2 – Approval of Specifications for Waste Containerization Systems

§ 17-11 Purpose and Scope.

The Departments of Sanitation, Housing Preservation and Development and Health find that the use of systems for the disposal of waste that utilize large containers which are mechanically lifted and emptied into, loaded onto or attached to collection vehicles (hereinafter "waste containerization systems") will tend to improve waste containment and increase the efficiency of waste collection operations, and accordingly approve as to specifications, pursuant to § 27-2021 of the Housing Maintenance [Administrative] Code, any waste containerization system that meets the specifications set forth below. Nothing contained in this order shall constitute an agreement by the Department of Sanitation to provide hoist compactor, hoist-fitted chassis, roll-on roll-off or any other specialized service to any person using containers covered by this order. Such service shall continue to be available only by contract with the Department of Sanitation and subject to such conditions as the Department of Sanitation may impose.