City Council has unanimously passed a bill introduced by Councilman Dennis O’Brien and Councilwoman Cindy Bass that would strengthen and simplify ordinances governing the upkeep and collection of trash Dumpsters in the city while facilitating the implementation of a composting program.
Bill №140903 was approved by the full council, 16–0, last Thursday and awaits Mayor Michael Nutter’s signature. It would amend Title 10 of the city code, “Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,” by adding rules regarding the use of Dumpsters.
Under city code, businesses may not dispose of common trash, known as refuse, in Dumpsters dedicated for specific recycling materials, such as cardboard, paper or single-stream. The city licenses Dumpsters individually and issues medallions that must be affixed to licensed Dumpsters. The fee for a refuse Dumpster license is more expensive than the fee for a recycling Dumpster license.
Under the bill, organic material (particularly food waste) would be granted recyclable status so that businesses wishing to recycle their food waste for composting would be eligible for the cheaper licensing fee.
The proposed ordinance also defines conditions by which licensees must cover, enclose and secure Dumpsters, as well as collection requirements so that the receptacles do not compromise public health or quality of life. ••
