Solid Waste Code Enforcement

Purpose

The purpose of enforcement is to keep our neighborhoods and commercial areas clean and free of litter. Chapter 19 of the City Code (commonly called the Solid Waste Code) establishes what may and may not be placed curbside for city collection and limits services to occupied single family households. No services are provided to non-residential properties.

Inspections

Four field inspectors have responsibility for enforcing the Solid Waste Code. The map below shows each inspector's inspection area. Unless the problem constitutes an immediate threat to health, safety and welfare, inspectors first advise residents of the violation and seek voluntary compliance. If this fails, residents may be issued a summons. Violations of the Solid Waste Code are class 4 misdemeanors with fines typically ranging from $10 to $250.

Common Violations of the Solid Waste Code

• Volume of total bulk debris set out for collection exceeding 6 cubic yards.
• Garbage carts on the street after collection. Residents are required to limit placement of carts at curbside to 3 PM the day prior to collection and midnight the day of collection. City Code Section 19-24
• Bulk waste at curbside days before collection.Bulk waste has the same placement limitations as garbage carts. City Code Section 19-24
• Mixed bulk waste and yard waste. Bulk waste must be placed separately from yard waste as they are taken to separate facilities for disposal. City Code Section 19-27
• Contractor waste at curbside. Contractor waste (including tree removal) may not be placed curbside. This should be included in their cost. City Code Section 19-28
• Dark bags at curbside. No waste, except yard waste in clear plastic bags may be placed at curbside. City Code Section 19-27
• Over-sized tree debris. Collection is limited to pieces no larger than 6' by 6". City Code Section 19-28
• Waste from unoccupied properties. Since collection is paid by user fees from occupied properties, no collection is provided after a house has been vacant for 60 days. City Code Section 19-12
• Glass, porcelain and concrete at curbside. Our fully automated collection equipment cannot collect these materials without a risk of shattering. City Code Section 19-28
• Automobiles, automobile parts, lawnmowers with engines at curbside. These materials are not collectible. City Code Section 19-28
• Paint and other liquids at curbside. These materials should be disposed of at the quarterly household chemical collection events. Call 757-933-2311 for dates and other disposal alternatives. City Code Section 19-28
• Overfilled garbage carts. Lids on carts should close completely to prevent blowing litter. City Code Section 19-23(a)
• Loose leaves, pine needles and yard clippings. All yard waste must be placed in clear plastic bags (or placed in the garbage cart) except during the city's posted loose-leaf collection. Call 757-933-2311 for scheduled loose-leaf collection. City Code Section 19-27(c)
• Land clearing debris. The property owner is responsible for disposal at a private facility that is permitted to take this material. For information call 757-933-2311. City Code Section 19-28

To determine if a situation not listed above is a violation, or if you would like to report a problem in your neighborhood, refer to the areas on the map below.