§ 36-40. Solid waste storage.

(a)

General.

(1)

The storage of all solid waste shall be practiced so as to prevent the attraction, harborage or breeding of insects and/or rodents and to eliminate conditions harmful to public health or which create safety hazards, odors, unsightliness and public nuisances.

(2)

The owner, his agent or occupant, of any premises shall be responsible for the satisfactory storage of all waste accumulating or originating at that premises. A sufficient number of proper containers shall be provided by the owner, his agent or occupant, to accommodate all applicable solid waste material generated between regularly scheduled collections as may be necessary to meet the intent of subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(3)

All containers for storage of solid waste shall be maintained in such a manner as to prevent the creation of a nuisance or menace to public health, safety or welfare. Containers that are broken or otherwise fail to meet requirements of this article shall be immediately replaced with acceptable containers.

(4)

Where garbage and similar putrescible wastes are stored in combination with nonputrescible refuse, containers for the storage of the mixture shall meet the requirements for garbage containers.

(b)

Individual household-type nondisposable containers (garbage cans). Individual nondisposable type containers utilized for the storage of garbage or other putrescible solid wastes at households and certain other applicable premises which utilize manual nonmechanical collection equipment, shall have the following physical characteristics:

(1)

Be constructed of durable metal or plastic, tapered, be rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, weathertight and leakproof, easily cleanable with close-fitting insect- and rodent-proof lids, and having adequate handles or bails to facilitate handling.

(2)

Covers for containers shall be removable and not secured or fastened to containers. Containers shall be not less than 20 gallons or more than 35 gallons in capacity, and the combined weight of the container and its contents shall not exceed 75 pounds.

(c)

Individual household-type disposable containers (garbage bags). Disposable containers such as paper and plastic (polyethylene minimum 2.0 mil.) bags shall be acceptable for storage of garbage and rubbish provided the following conditions are met:

(1)

Only those bags specifically designed for storage and collection shall be used.

(2)

Bags are protected against precipitation, vandalism, animal damage and overloading to prevent littering or attracting of vectors.

(3)

Bags have a holding strength capable of withstanding stresses while being handled and collected.

(4)

Bag opening is securely tied prior to setting out for collection.

(5)

Bag capacity shall not exceed 30 gallons, and filled weight shall not exceed 35 pounds.

(6)

Garbage and rubbish which cannot be properly contained in bags shall be containerized in garbage cans.

(d)

Containers for commercial solid waste.

(1)

Containers as described hereinabove under subsections (b) and (c) of this section may be utilized for the storage and collection of commercial solid waste.

(2)

Establishments which require containers larger than 30-gallon capacity may have such wastes collected only if the wastes are placed in bulk containers which are compatible with and designed to be emptied by mechanical devices attached to the collector trucks, except as may be otherwise provided herein. Such bulk containers shall be constructed of durable, rust- and corrosion-resistant material; shall be equipped with tightfitting, self-closing lids; shall be weathertight and leakproof; and shall be of such dimensions and capacity as approved by the parish.

(e)

Methods of use of containers.

(1)

Containers shall be kept covered at all times except during placing or removal of contents.

(2)

Containers shall not be filled so that the lid cannot fit properly.

(3)

The area around the container shall be kept clean.

(f)

Noncontainerized storage. Certain bulky wastes of a nonputrescible nature lend themselves to temporary storage in a manner other than containerization:

(1)

Light tree debris shall be tied securely in bundles not exceeding four feet in length, two feet in diameter or width and 35 pounds in weight to be easily handled by the collection system and so as to minimize littering.

(2)

Large, dense or special-shape items such as discarded furniture, appliances, vehicle tires and parts, and bicycles whose large size or excessive weight does not permit their enclosure within an approved receptacle shall be temporarily stored on the premises to prevent a safety hazard, or the collection of water, or serve as a harborage for insects or rodents. Trees and stumps shall be temporarily stored in a similar manner.

(Code 1979, § 18.5-20; Ord. of 10-18-1983, § 5)