§ 50-81. Precollection practices.

The following practices and procedures shall be followed by persons within the corporate limits of the city in order to facilitate the collection of solid waste:

(1)

Refuse. All refuse shall be placed and maintained in containers satisfying the requirements of this article and of the rules and regulations of the city council. Containers shall be maintained at all times with tightfitting lids or covers, and secured in such a manner as to prevent the overturning by the elements or by dogs or other animals.

(2)

Garbage. Garbage shall be placed in containers for collection. Household trash shall be drained of all liquids prior to its being placed in refuse receptacles. Household trash shall be combined with garbage.

(3)

Injurious trash items. Waste material with potential for inflicting injury, such as broken glass, light bulbs, sharp pieces of metal, fluorescent tubes and television tubes shall be securely packaged or wrapped in such a manner as will prevent injury to the collection crews or other persons. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to material placed in mechanically handled containers.

(4)

Hazardous refuse. Hazardous refuse will not be collected by the solid waste collection service of the city. No person shall place any items of hazardous refuse in any refuse receptacle or other container for collection by the city. Private contractors or collectors may collect hazardous refuse. Federal and state hazardous waste laws shall be observed by all persons, and any violations will be reported to the applicable state or federal authorities.

(5)

Building materials. Building materials will not be collected by the solid waste collection service of the city. Private contractors or collectors may collect building materials. The owner of the premises or the contractor, builder or person doing the repairs, remodeling construction or demolition shall be required to haul away and legally dispose of all such debris.

(6)

Tree and vegetation removal; home occupants. The city will remove trees cut by the owner or occupant. The city shall not be responsible for collecting or hauling trees and stumps left by or resulting from the operation of commercial tree trimmers, landscapers, grading contractors, building contractors, lawn services or other commercial workmen. When a tree is cut from private property by anyone other than the owner, such party shall remove and legally dispose of all wood and limbs. The owner, tenant or other persons in possession of the property shall be responsible to see that such tree trimmer or other person complies with this subsection.

(7)

Tree trimmings and shrubbery cuttings removal. Tree trimmings and shrubbery cuttings must be cut in lengths of four feet or less and not more than six inches in diameter and placed in an orderly manner adjacent to an alley or on a street curb where alleys are not available so that it can be readily handled. No other materials shall be mixed with the tree trimmings and shrubbery cuttings. Abnormally large amounts of tree trimmings and shrubbery cuttings will be rescheduled for a nonpickup day.

(8)

Other. Only grass clippings, leaves, pine straw and/or pine cones may be mixed in at the designated location for pickup service.

(9)

Ashes. It shall be unlawful to deposit hot ashes in garbage containers. Ashes or clinkers shall not be placed or deposited upon streets, sidewalks or sideparks.

(10)

Pet litter. Pet litter must be placed in securely tied plastic bags not to exceed ten pounds in weight and placed in the container.

(11)

Household furniture and furnishings. Upon request, the city shall collect discarded or junked household items such as: sofas, chairs, beds, yard furniture, clothing, swings and other such items. However, pickup will be scheduled upon request, and the owner may be required to pay a disposal fee.

(12)

Appliances. The city will pick up household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc. However, pickup will be scheduled upon request, and the owner may be required to pay a disposal fee.

(13)

Disposable diapers. Disposable diapers must be placed and tied securely in plastic bags and placed in your regular container.

(14)

Tires and batteries. Tires and auto batteries will not be picked up by the city sanitation department.

(15)

Other waste. Removal responsibility for all other waste not covered in this section, and including building material and major tree and yard trimming waste, is the owner's, tenant's, resident's, customer's or contractor's.

(16)

Separation of garbage; cardboard. All commercial customers of the solid waste department or private contractor or collector shall separate their cardboard waste for pickup. Any commercial customer not separating cardboard waste from other waste for pickup by the city's solid waste department, private contractor or collector shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $50.00 for each violation. Each failure to separate solid waste as required in this subsection shall constitute a separate violation of this article.

(17)

Dead animal collection. Small dead animals, not over 30 pounds in weight, if kept separate from garbage and rubbish, will be collected without charge upon notice to the city or private contractor or collector, provided that a charge will be made for all such animals collected from animal hospitals, kennels, pet shops and the like. Owners of large dead animals shall be responsible for their removal and disposal.

(Ord. of 5-10-94, § III)