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City of Poughkeepsie, NY
Dutchess County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 1; Ord. of 12-6-1937, § 1; Ord. of 6-18-1973, § 1; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 1; Ord. of 2-3-2003, §§ 1, 2]
For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed:
ALUMINUM PRODUCTS
Uncontaminated aluminum packaging, such as pie plates and frozen dinner trays.
ASHES
The residue of coal, wood or other fuel after burning.
BULKY WASTE
Large household items, such as furniture, mattresses, major appliances, tires, scrap metal items and carpets.
CANS
Containers comprised of aluminum, tin, steel or a combination thereof, which contain or formerly contained only food and/or beverage substances.
CARDBOARD
All corrugated cardboard normally used for packing, mailing, shipping or containerizing goods, merchandise or other material but excluding plastic-, foam- or wax-coated or soiled cardboard.
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS
Remains of major remodeling, construction, reconstruction, repair and demolition operations on houses, apartments, pavements and other structures, such as excavated earth, stones, concrete, bricks, plaster, roofing, sheathing, lumber and insulation, as well as rubble from the installation of plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
ELECTRONICS
Computers (desktop, main frames, laptops), keyboards, mice, modems, power supplies, docking stations, cable and wiring, circuit boards, monitors, CRTs, terminals, printers, copiers, facsimile machines, telephones, cellular phones, two-way radios, walkie-talkies, pagers, beepers, answering machines, typewriters, word processors, audio visual equipment such as overhead projectors, security equipment (cameras, monitors), stereo equipment, televisions, VCRs, radios and camcorders.
GARBAGE
Organic waste such as meat, fat, bones, fish, fruit or vegetables or any other animal, fish, fruit or vegetable matter used for food by human beings or used in the preparation, preservation, dressing or cooking thereof.
GLASS
All products made from silica or sand, soda ash and limestone, the product being transparent or translucent and being used for the packaging or bottling of various matter and all other material commonly known as "glass"; excluding, however, ceramics, light bulbs, blue and flat glass and glass commonly known as "window glass."
MAJOR APPLIANCES
Large and/or bulky household appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, etc.) ordinarily operated by gas or electric current.
NEWSPAPER
All uncontaminated paper commonly referred to as "newsprint" and distributed at stated intervals, usually daily or weekly, having printed thereon news and opinion and containing advertisements and other matter of public interest, and shall include supplements, comics and enclosures.
OFFICE PAPER
All bond paper, including computer printouts, stationery, photo copy and ledger from commercial waste generators.
PLASTIC
All containers made from high-density polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), including but not limited to bottles having contained the following products: milk, water, juice, detergent, bleach, antifreeze and soda; or other resins that may be designated as a recyclable material in accordance with the Dutchess County local law providing for the mandatory collection and disposition of recyclables in Dutchess County once economic markets exist.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Office paper, cardboard, newspaper, cans, glass, plastic, aluminum products, tires, major appliances, electronics and such other materials as may be designated by the Commissioner of Solid Waste Management of Dutchess County and the Recyclables Oversight Committee established and appointed pursuant to the Dutchess County local law providing for the mandatory collection and disposition of recyclables in Dutchess County.
REFUSE
Building material and any other incombustible matter or material.
RUBBISH
Any paper, plastic, cardboard or other material used to wrap, cover or contain food other than recyclable material as defined in this section; any other household waste resulting from the use, consumption and preparation of food; small metal household discards; miscellaneous waste material, including rags, drugs, health aids and materials, sweepings, rubber, leather, cloth, clothing, magazines, paper (other than newspapers, office paper and corrugated cardboard), waste materials from normal maintenance and repair activities, pasteboard, crockery, shells, dirt, wood and glass, other than recyclable material and construction and demolition items as defined in this section.
YARD WASTE
Grass clippings, leaves, and cuttings from shrubs, hedges, trees, brush, and garden debris.
[Ord. No. 2-15-1937, § 2; Ord. of 3-27-1972, § 1; Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 7; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 2; Ord. of 2-3-2003, § 3; Ord. No. O-09-20, § 1; Ord. No. O-10-13, § 1]
(a) 
Garbage.
(1) 
All garbage shall be placed in watertight containers of sufficient construction to contain the contents therein.
(2) 
Approved containers may be those made from galvanized steel, aluminum, plastic or other waterproof and weatherproof material. They must taper from top to bottom and be fitted with handles or bails. The container shall be of sufficient size to contain the contents therein and the level of the contents of the container shall not exceed the height of the container.
(3) 
All garbage shall be deposited into garbage bags prior to placing garbage into an appropriate container specified in Subsection (a)(2). Such bags must have a capacity of not less than 15 gallons nor more than 32 gallons. They must be strong enough to hold the contents therein and be free from objectionable tears or leakage. Bags must be securely tied to prevent spillage when placed at the collection location.
[Amended by Ord. No. O-13-03, 4-3-2013, § 1]
(4) 
Prohibited containers shall include garbage bags, except for the provisions of Subsection (a)(3) of this section, metal drums, fiber or paperboard drums, barrels, paper shopping bags, cardboard boxes or containers having sharp or jagged exposures.
(5) 
Penalties. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine in City Court or a civil penalty recoverable in accordance with Section 9-11 of this chapter not to exceed $25. Each separate act of placing or depositing or causing to be placed or deposited a prohibited container at the curb for pickup shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct violation punishable by a separate and additional fine and/or penalty.
(b) 
Ashes, refuse and rubbish.
(1) 
All ashes, refuse and rubbish shall be placed in suitable containers, as herein described, except that refuse and rubbish not readily placed in containers may be securely tied in packages or bundles.
(2) 
Containers for ashes, refuse and rubbish shall be covered and shall be of a size and construction sufficient to hold the contents therein. Containers allowable for the storage of garbage may be used for the storage of ashes, refuse and rubbish.
(c) 
Recyclable material.
(1) 
All recyclable material designated for municipal collection by the Commissioner of Public Works shall be placed in suitable containers, as herein described, except that newspapers and corrugated cardboard not readily placed in containers may be securely tied in bundles.
(2) 
Containers for recyclable material shall be sturdy, rigid, reusable and of a size and construction sufficient to hold the contents therein.
(d) 
Yard waste.
(1) 
Yard waste shall be placed in a suitable container, as herein described, except that brush or branches not readily placed in containers may be securely tied or bound in packages.
(2) 
Containers shall be covered and of a size and construction sufficient to hold the contents therein.
[Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 3]
(a) 
Those residences, businesses or institutions which generate large amounts of materials requiring removal may utilize large bulk containers, commonly known as "dumpsters," for the storage of the materials.
(b) 
Each waste generator who owns, rents or utilizes any dumpster shall at all times keep the container in good repair and maintain it in a clean and sanitary condition. Each waste generator who owns, rents or utilizes any dumpster shall also keep the area surrounding the container free of litter and maintain the area in a clean, neat and sanitary condition at all times.
(c) 
Dumpsters must be of a capacity sufficient to contain the contents therein and to prevent spillage from the container due to overfilling. Dumpsters must have covers or lids to be made of plastic and must be kept closed at all times.
[Ord. of 3-4-1929, § 1, 2; Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 8; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 4]
(a) 
Garbage. The owner of every building in the City used as a dwelling for three or more families shall provide and maintain at least one receptacle as required in Section 9-20 for use as a receptacle for garbage by the persons occupying said building.
(b) 
Ashes, refuse, rubbish. The owner of every such building shall provide and maintain at least one receptacle as required in Section 9-20 for use as a receptacle for ashes, refuse and rubbish by the persons occupying said building.
(c) 
Recyclable material. The owner of every such building in the City shall provide and maintain at least one receptacle as required in Section 9-20 for use as a receptacle for recyclable material by the persons occupying said building.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 2; Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 9; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 5; Ord. of 2-3-2003, § 4]
The owners or occupants of those premises where collection and removal services are provided by the City pursuant to Section 9-61 of this chapter shall comply with the following preparation requirements for collection or collection will not be made.
(a) 
Garbage. All garbage shall be placed in containers as described in Section 9-20(a). Total capacity of the container may not exceed 32 gallons, and the total weight of the container and contents may not exceed 75 pounds, unless the container used is a dumpster capable of being lifted mechanically by City collection vehicles.
(b) 
Refuse and rubbish. Refuse and rubbish shall be placed in containers as described in Section 9-20(b) of this chapter. Total capacity of the container may not exceed 32 gallons, and the total weight of the container and contents may not exceed 75 pounds, unless the container used is a dumpster capable of being lifted mechanically by City collection vehicles. Refuse and rubbish not readily placed in containers shall be securely tied or bound in packages not exceeding 42 inches in dimension on any one side, and must be secured as to prevent scattering when placed on the street. Packages shall not exceed 75 pounds gross weight when made ready for collection by the owners.
(c) 
Recyclable material. Recyclable material designated for municipal collection by the Commissioner of Public Works, except for newspapers and corrugated cardboard, shall be put in a recycling container as designated by the Commissioner of Public Works. Newspapers shall be tied with string or put in brown, paper grocery bags. Corrugated cardboard shall be flattened and tied into bundles not exceeding 42 inches in dimension on any one side. Bundles of paper shall not weigh more than 30 pounds. Tires, major appliances and electronics, if designated for municipal collection by the Commissioner of Public Works, must be prepared in accordance with Subsection (e) of this section.
(d) 
Yard waste. Yard waste shall be placed in a sturdy, reusable container of between 20 to 32 gallons in size. Yard debris may also be placed in other suitable containers as designated by the Superintendent of Public Works. Yard waste, such as brush and prunings, not readily placed in containers, shall be securely tied or bound in packages not exceeding 42 inches in dimension on any one side and weighing not more than 75 pounds. Individual cuttings from trees may not be in excess of two inches in diameter.
(e) 
Bulky waste. Bulky waste, if designated for municipal collection by the Superintendent of Public Works, shall be prepared in accordance with instructions publicized from time to time by the Superintendent of Public Works.
(f) 
Ashes. Ashes shall be soaked with water or otherwise treated to extinguish all live embers and then shall be placed in a container as described in Section 9-20(b). Containers shall not exceed 32 gallons in capacity and shall not exceed 75 pounds in gross weight when made ready for collection, unless the container used is a dumpster capable of being lifted mechanically by City collection vehicles.
[Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 6]
Containers which have rusted through the sides or bottom or which contain sharp edges or which do not conform to requirements specified in Section 9-20 or which, in the opinion of the Sanitation Superintendent, constitute a hazard shall be classified as refuse and collected and disposed of as such by the City.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 3; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 7]
(a) 
Garbage, rubbish, ashes, refuse, recyclable material and yard waste will not be collected by the City as provided in Section 9-61 of this chapter unless it has been separated as required by this section.
(b) 
Recyclable material may not be mixed with garbage, rubbish, ashes, refuse, yard waste or bulky waste. Yard waste may not be mixed with garbage, rubbish, ashes, refuse, recyclable material or bulky waste. Bulky waste may not be mixed with garbage, rubbish, ashes, refuse, recyclable material or yard waste.
(c) 
Only garbage, ashes, refuse and rubbish as defined in Section 9-19 of this chapter may be placed in the same container as long as the ashes have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 9-22.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 6; Ord. of 5-4-1953, § 1; Ord. of 5-17-1954, § 1; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 8]
(a) 
Residential. If a service alley, other than a blind alley, is available, owners or occupants of residential premises shall place or cause to be placed, within five feet of the alley line, all materials requiring collection. Materials shall not be placed within the limits of the alley itself. For those residences where collection from the alley is not safe or feasible or in those areas where no alley exists at all, the owners or occupants of all residences shall place or cause to be placed all containers and receptacles or bundles of materials requiring collection at the curb in front of such residence.
(b) 
Nonresidential premises.
(1) 
The owners or occupants of all nonresidential premises which are accessible from the rear shall place or cause to be placed all materials requiring collection at the rear of such nonresidential premises.
(2) 
For those businesses or commercial establishments which are not accessible from the rear, the owners or occupants shall place or cause to be placed at the curb in front of such businesses all materials requiring collection.
(c) 
Waste generators utilizing bulk containers (dumpsters). Dumpsters shall be placed in such a manner and in such a place that the containers will not be a public nuisance in any respect. Dumpsters, when ready for collection, must be moved to such a place as to be readily accessible for removal or emptying.
[Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 9; Ord. of 9-8-1994, § 1, Ord. of 11-7-1994, § 11; Ord. of 7-23-2001, § 5; Ord. of 4-6-2004, § 1; Ord. No. O-06-22,[1] § 1; Ord. No. O-06-23,[2] § 1]
(a) 
Placement of materials. All containers, receptacles or bundles of garbage, rubbish, refuse, ashes, recyclable material, yard waste and/or bulky waste shall in no case be placed at the curb prior to 5:00 p.m. of the day prior to the regular collection day established for such residential or nonresidential premises.
(b) 
Return of receptacles. The owners and occupants of all residential and nonresidential premises shall return such containers and receptacles or cause the same to be returned to the rear of the premises not later than 16 hours after the garbage, rubbish, refuse, ashes, recyclable material and/or yard waste contained therein has been collected.
(c) 
Penalties.[3] Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine in City Court or a civil penalty recoverable in accordance with Section 9-11 of this chapter of $50 for the first violation, $75 for the second violation, $100 for the third violation, $250 for the fourth violation, $500 for the fifth violation and for each violation thereafter in any one calendar year. However, any person violating the provisions of Subsection (a), by placing bulky waste at the curb prior to 5:00 p.m. of the day prior to a collection day established by the City for collection of bulky waste, shall be punished by a fine in City Court or a civil penalty recoverable in accordance with Section 9-11 of this chapter of $250.
[3]
Editor's Note: See also the penalties in Administrative Code § 10.10.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-22 amended this section as applicable to the Building Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-23 amended this section as applicable to the Sanitation Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 10; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 10]
It shall be unlawful for any person other than the municipal collector or private collector hired by a business to disturb or remove or aid in disturbing or removing any garbage, rubbish, ashes, refuse, recyclable material, bulky waste or yard waste after it has been set out for collection.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 4]
None of the materials defined in this article so collected shall be dumped or disposed of within the City, except at such place or places as may be designated by said City.
[Ord. of 2-15-1987, § 3; Ord. of 6-18-1973, § 1; Ord. of 6-19-1978, § 1; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 11]
It shall be unlawful to place garbage, ashes, rubbish and refuse, recyclable material, bulky waste and yard waste out for collection when such matter is not placed in receptacles or secured and tied in bundles as required by this article.
[Ord. of 4-18-1977, § 1; Ord. of 9-19-1978, § 2; Ord. of 5-18-1982, § 1 through 3; Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 11; Ord. of 2-18-1992, § 1; Ord. of 7-6-1993, § 1; Ord. 9-8-1994, § 2; Ord. of 11-7-1994, § 12; Ord. of 7-23-2001, § 6; Ord. No. O-06-22,[1] § 1; Ord. No. O-06-23,[2] § 1]
(a) 
Notice required. If the provisions of Section 9-24.1 or 9-27 are not complied with, the Commissioner of Public Works of the City or his/her designee, limited to Sanitation Inspectors, may serve written notice upon the owner, lessee, occupant or any person having the care or control of such premises, to comply with the provisions of such section.
(b) 
Service, contents of notice. Such written notice shall be personally served upon the lessee, tenants or occupants of the premises. If such lessee, tenant or occupant cannot be readily identified by the Commissioner of Public Works or Sanitation Inspector, such notice may then be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the record owner of the premises. Such notice shall require compliance with the provisions of Section 9-24.1 within 24 hours after the date of mailing and posting of such notice, except for bulky waste which must be removed in compliance with Subsection (d) of this section, and compliance with the provisions of Section 9-27 within 48 hours after the date of mailing and posting of such notice.
(c) 
Correction of condition by City. If the person upon whom such notice is served fails, neglects or refuses to dispose of the garbage, ashes, rubbish and refuse from the premises within the time required by Subsection (b) of this section, the Commissioner of Public Works, at his/her discretion, shall cause such garbage, ashes, rubbish and refuse to be removed and disposed of.
(d) 
Service, contents of notice and correction of condition by City for bulky waste. The Commissioner of Public Works of the City, or his/her designee, shall serve written notice upon the owner and lessee, occupant or any other person having the care and control of premises, where there has been a violation of Section 9-24.1 or 9-27 of this chapter in that bulky waste has been placed for collection at the curb or in the public right-of-way at a time when there has been no designation by the Commissioner of Public Works for the pickup of bulky waste or the bulky waste has been placed out for collection at a time prior to 5:00 p.m. of the day designated for collection of such waste or has been placed in violation of Section 9-27. Such written notice shall be personally served upon the owner and lessee, tenant or occupant of the premises or shall be posted upon the building or lot and a copy of such notice mailed by regular mail and certified mail, return receipt requested, to such owner at his/her last known address and any lessee, occupant or any person having the care or control of any such lot or land. If the bulky waste is not removed within 48 hours of the date of personal service or posting and mailing, the Commissioner of Public Works, at his/her discretion, shall cause such bulky waste to be removed and disposed of.
(e) 
Collection of costs. The actual cost to the City of such removal and disposal, plus a sum equal to 10% of such actual cost for inspection and other additional costs in connection therewith, shall be certified by the Commissioner of Public Works to the Commissioner of Finance, and the amount thereof shall thereupon become a lien upon the property on which such garbage, ashes, rubbish, bulky waste and refuse was located, and the total amount thereof shall be added to and become a part of the next assessment roll at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Charter of the City subject to all the provisions thereof.
(f) 
Alternate remedy. The correction of the condition by the City, and the collection of costs for said correction, shall in no way prevent the City from proceeding in City Court for collection of a fine or from collecting a civil penalty in accordance with the provisions of Section 9-11 of this chapter against the violator of Section 9-24.1 or 9-27 of this chapter. The fine/civil penalty for violation of Section 9-24.1 shall be as provided for in that section and for Section 9-27 shall be $125 for the first violation, $150 for the second violation, $175 for the third violation, $200 for the fourth violation, $250 for the fifth violation and $500 for each violation thereafter in any one calendar year and shall be in addition to any cost assessed against the lessee, tenants, occupant or owner for the correction of the condition.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: See also the penalty in Administrative Code § 10.10.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-22 amended this section as applicable to the Building Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-23 amended this section as applicable to the Sanitation Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 7]
No ashes shall be collected in or carted through the streets of the City except in vehicles having boxes of sufficient height to carry ashes without allowing them to spill over and so tightly constructed that ashes will not sift through on the streets.
[Ord. of 2-7-2003, § 5]
Electronics shall be recycled. Electronics shall not be placed at the curb for collection, unless so designated by the Commissioner of Public Works, but shall be brought to the City transfer station pursuant to Article IV of this chapter.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 8; Ord. of 12-6-1937, § 1; Ord. of 5-17-1954, § 2]
All open-bodied trucks used for carrying garbage, ashes, refuse or rubbish through the streets of the City must be covered with a tarpaulin securely fastened to the body of the truck.
[Ord. of 2-15-1937, § 8; Ord. of 12-6-1937, § 1; Ord. of 5-17-1954, § 2; Ord. of 3-27-1972, § 2; Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 12]
Any garbage, ashes, refuse or rubbish spilled on a street or sidewalk by any collector from a receptacle used in compliance with Section 9-20 of this chapter shall be immediately collected and cleaned up by such collector, and all traces of such spilling removed. Any garbage, ashes, refuse or rubbish spilled on a street or sidewalk by any collector from a receptacle that is not permitted pursuant to Section 9-20 of this chapter shall be immediately collected and cleaned up by the property owner or tenant responsible for placing the material in such receptacle, and all traces of such spilling removed by such person. Any garbage, ashes, refuse or rubbish spilled on a street or sidewalk by a collector or by a person, animal or any other cause shall be immediately collected and cleaned up by the property owner or tenant responsible for placing the material in the receptacle that is not permitted pursuant to Section 9-20 of this chapter, and all traces of such spilling removed by the property owner or tenant.
[Ord. of 10-18-1976, § 1, 2;[1] Ord. of 3-6-1989, § 13; Ord. of 4-1-1991, § 12; Ord. of 11-7-1994, § 13]
(a) 
No refuse, garbage, ashes, rubbish, bulky waste, recyclable material or yard waste originating as such outside the City or which has been collected or otherwise obtained outside the City and transported or otherwise delivered within the City shall be deposited or caused or allowed to be deposited within the City of Poughkeepsie.
(b) 
Violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine in City Court or a civil penalty recoverable in accordance with Section 9-11 of this chapter of $500.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also the penalty in Administrative Code § 10.10.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance of 10-18-1976, § 1, did not expressly amend the Code, hence codification as Section 9-31 was at the discretion of the editor.
[Ord. of 8-17-1982]
No person, individual, corporation, partnership, association or other entity shall collect, remove or provide for the collection or removal of garbage, ashes, refuse, trash and rubbish in the City of Poughkeepsie between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
[Ord. of 2-18-1992, § 2; Ord. of 9-8-1994, § 3; Ord. of 11-7-1994, § 14; Ord. of 7-23-2001, § 7; Ord. No. O-06-22,[2] § 1; Ord. No. O-06-23,[3] § 1]
Except where a specific penalty is provided for in a particular provision of this chapter, any person violating any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine in City Court or a civil penalty recoverable in accordance with Section 9-11 of this chapter of $125 for the first violation, $150 for the second violation, $175 for the third violation, $200 for the fourth violation, $250 for the fifth violation and $500 for each violation thereafter in any one calendar year.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also the penalty in Administrative Code § 10.10.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-22 amended this section as applicable to the Building Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[3]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O-06-23 amended this section as applicable to the Sanitation Department's schedules of fees and fines.
[Ord. No. O-07-38, § 1; amended by Ord. No. O-14-15, 9-2-2014, § 1]
Any person violating any provision of this chapter and Chapter 15, Section 11, in excess of three or more violations in any twelve-month period from the date of the most current violation shall be deemed a chronic and persistent offender and shall be deemed to have created a nuisance as defined in Section 14-48, and such nuisance shall be immediately abated by the City. Such person shall be subject to further penalties under this section of $2,500 in fines, the costs of immediate abatement and administrative costs as defined in this chapter and Chapter 15. These violations of three or more shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel in City Court for the penalties and fines. The costs of abatement and administrative costs shall be assessed against the property as a tax lien.