(a) Ownership of any recyclable materials is retained by the owners, lessees and occupants of residences, commercial or institutional establishments until the materials are placed at curbside or a similar location for collection. Thereafter, once the materials are placed at curbside or a similar location, they become the property of the municipality or its contract collector.
(b) It shall be a violation of this article for any persons unauthorized by the city to collect or pick up or cause to be picked up any such recyclable material. Each such collection in violation hereof shall constitute a separate and distinct offense punishable as hereinafter provided.
(Ord. 5470, approved 3-8-1990)