§ 94-61. Refuse containers and storage.

(a)

All owners of real estate shall provide suitable refuse containers as provided in this section and, in the absence of a citywide or neighborhood contract for curbside or alley refuse pickup, shall arrange for such pickup no less than weekly by a private hauler who has received a permit under this article.

(b)

All refuse outside a structure shall be stored for collection in a refuse container as provided as provided in this section. Storage of refuse in containers not authorized by this section, such as cardboard boxes or paper bags, is prohibited.

(c)

The following refuse containers may be used for the storage of refuse:

(1)

Residential premises.

a.

Plastic, rubber or metal nondisposable trash containers shall be used and such containers shall have the following characteristics:

1.

A volume of not less than 20-gallon capacity and not more than 32-gallon capacity. No such refuse container, when loaded, shall have a total weight of more than 75 pounds.

2.

Suitable handles to facilitate safe handling and lifting by collectors.

3.

Free of sharp edges or any other defect which is liable to harm or injure a collector.

4.

Handles and lids which are tightfitting.

5.

The address of the occupants of the premises storing refuse in the container printed or painted on the side of the container.

6.

Not less than 22 inches in height and 19 inches in diameter.

b.

Plastic bags may be used for refuse if they are of a sufficient thickness and strength to prevent tearing and ripping in normal use and are equipped with a tying device.

c.

Such containers as are provided by the city.

(2)

Nonresidential premises.

a.

Metal containers having a capacity of one cubic yard or more, or not more than two containers of the type permitted to be used for residential premises.

b.

Any container shall, at all times, be clearly labeled with the name and address of the owner of the container and, if different from the owner of the premises, with the name and local telephone number of the person responsible for collecting the refuse from the container.

c.

Refuse shall be removed at least once per week.

(d)

All refuse containers shall be leakproof and securely covered at all times.

(e)

All refuse containers shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent the dispersal or release of refuse placed in such containers.

(f)

Garbage shall be thoroughly and completely drained of all free liquid and securely wrapped before it is placed in a refuse container.

(g)

No such refuse container shall be placed on a public right-of-way before noon on the day preceding the day on which the refuse is scheduled to be collected. No such container shall be placed or left on the public right-of-way after 11:00 p.m. on the day on which the refuse is collected.

(h)

The owners and occupants of any premises within the city producing refuse shall have joint and separate responsibility for providing containers for the storage of refuse produced on the premises which comply with the requirements of this section, and for the collection and disposal of such refuse in compliance with the provisions of this article. No occupant of a residential premises within a building containing four or less units shall be responsible for providing refuse containers for, or for the storage, collection or disposal of, refuse produced by or in any dwelling unit other than the dwelling unit he occupies.

(i)

Scavenging in or from any refuse container is prohibited.

(j)

Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

(Ord. No. 91-10050, § 5, 11-6-1991)