[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of West Seneca 8-31-1992. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Dumping — See Ch. 63.
A. 
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Recycling and Waste Disposal Law of the Town of West Seneca, New York."
B. 
This chapter shall apply to and affect only the Town of West Seneca.
[Amended 5-14-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
This chapter is adopted in order to promote and protect the public health and safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity and other aspects of the general welfare of the residents of the Town of West Seneca; protect property, preserve property values and eliminate fire, safety and health hazards by regulating the collection, storage and disposal of garbage, recyclable material and refuse within the Town of West Seneca; promote reduction and separation which will encourage the more efficient utilization of solid waste disposal facilities and contribute to more effective programs for the reuse of solid wastes; implement the applicable provisions of the New York State Solid Waste Management Act of 1988 and amendments thereto to require that solid waste shall be separated into recyclable, reusable or other components for which economic markets for alternate uses exist; and reduce the number of rodents in the Town and reduce the available habitat and food sources for rodents in the Town.
[Amended 11-18-2002; 5-14-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
A. 
The following words, as used in this chapter, shall have the meanings hereby ascribed thereto unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
AUTHORIZED COLLECTOR
A person, individual, partnership or corporation or employer or agent thereof authorized by contract or license with the municipality to collect solid waste from residential, commercial and institutional properties as herein defined under the terms and conditions of this chapter. In the event of municipal collection, this definition shall include the governing body and employees thereof.
BRUSH
Cuttings from shrubs, hedges and trees which are less than four inches in diameter.
CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS
Discarded building material, concrete, stones, earth from excavations or grading and all other refuse matter resulting from the erection, repair or demolition of buildings, structures or other improvements of property.
DUMPING
Throwing, depositing or burning of solid waste in or upon any public highway, street or other public place.
FACILITY
Any solid waste management/resource recovery facility employed beyond the initial solid waste collection process which is to be used, occupied or employed for or is incidental to the receiving, transporting, storage or processing or disposal of solid waste or the recovery by any means of any material or energy product or resource therefrom, including recycling centers, transfer stations, processing systems, resource recovery facilities, sanitary landfills, plants and facilities for composting or land spreading of solid wastes, secure land burial facilities, reprocessing and recycling facilities, surface impoundments and waste oil storage, incinerators and other solid waste disposal, reduction or conversion facilities.
GARBAGE
All table refuse, animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food; offal from meat, fish and fowl; fruits, vegetables and parts thereof; and other articles and materials ordinarily used for food which have become unfit for such use or which are for any reason discarded.[1]
GARBAGE TOTE
A Town-authorized container of either 95 gallons or 65 gallons for the storage and collection of garbage. One tote shall be assigned to each residential producer or other authorized unit and shall be the property of the Town of West Seneca. A person who is the owner or occupant of a residential producer shall have the option to purchase, at his or her own expense, one additional garbage tote. There shall be no more than two garbage totes at any residential producer or other authorized unit. A person who is the owner or occupant of a business which is an authorized unit shall have the option to purchase, at his or her own expense, up to five additional garbage totes. Each garbage tote provided by the Town of West Seneca shall remain the property of the Town of West Seneca and shall not be removed from the residence or other authorized unit to which it was assigned. Garbage totes purchased by an owner or occupant of a residential unit or other authorized unit shall remain the property of that individual. The cost of either a recyclable tote or garbage tote under this section shall be determined by resolution of the Town Board of the Town of West Seneca.
[Added 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Medical waste generated by a medical facility regulated by the New York State Department of Health or Social Services and as defined under regulations promulgated pursuant to § 27-0903 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, including but not limited to the following products and their empty containers: insecticides, herbicides and caustic chemicals.
LARGE HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS
All other large and/or bulky articles actually used in the home and which equip it for living (such as chairs, sofas, tables, beds, carpets, etc.).
MAJOR APPLIANCES
A large and/or bulky household mechanism (such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, etc.) ordinarily operated by gas or electric current.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE (MSW)
All putrescible and nonputrescible materials, including garbage, refuse and other discarded solid materials, including but not limited to solid waste materials resulting from industrial, commercial and agricultural operations and from community activities. Liquids, semisolids and contained gaseous materials are hereby defined as "solid waste." It shall not include solids or dissolved materials in domestic sewage or other significant pollutants in water resources, such as silt, dissolved or suspended solids in industrial wastewater effluents, dissolved materials in irrigation return flows or other common water pollutants. In addition, it shall not include hazardous waste.
NONRECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Waste material discarded as useless or worthless trash, including but not limited to rags, sweepings, rubber, leather, crockery, shells, clothing, straw, dirt and ashes.
NONRESIDENTIAL PRODUCERS
Any producer of garbage, refuse and recyclable materials other than a residential producer, including but not limited to commercial or industrial businesses, restaurants, plazas, malls and the like.
OTHER AUTHORIZED UNIT
Any property in the Town of West Seneca to which collection of garbage or recyclable materials is offered by the Town of West Seneca.
[Added 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
PERSON
An individual, owner, occupant, society, group, firm, partnership, corporation or association of persons, and the singular number shall include the plural number.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
A person, firm, corporation or legal entity providing for the collection of MSW and/or recyclable materials. To operate in the Town of West Seneca, they shall be required to obtain a license from the Town and be subject to the rules and regulations of the Town.
PRIVATE SUBSCRIPTION
The collection of MSW and recyclable materials where the resident contracts directly with the private collector of the subscriber's choice.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Rinsed food containers, such as metal cans, glass and plastic food containers, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, flat paper and other paper; plastic materials and bottles with metal rings and tops removed.
RECYCLABLE TOTE
A Town-authorized container of recyclable materials with the capacity of either 65 or 95 gallons for the storage and collection of recyclable materials. All recyclable totes shall be the property of the Town of West Seneca, and one shall be assigned to each residential producer and other authorized unit. Any recyclable tote assigned to a residential producer or other authorized unit shall remain at that residence or other authorized unit and shall not be moved from the same. Additional recyclable totes shall be available to owners or occupants of either residential units or other authorized unit in the manner described in the definition of "garbage tote."
[Added 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
RESIDENTIAL PRODUCERS
Those persons, owners or occupants of single-family or multifamily dwellings, used exclusively for residential purposes, which produce garbage, nonrecyclable refuse and recyclable material.
SCAVENGER
A person that collects and removes refuse and searches through garbage for salvageable material.
SOLID WASTE
Includes but is not limited to garbage, nonrecyclable material, recyclable material, construction debris, major appliances, large household furnishings, brush and tree parts, grass and leaves.
TREE PARTS
Cuttings from shrubs, hedges and trees which are less than four inches in diameter.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "garbage receptacle," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014.
B. 
None of the terms defined in this section shall be deemed or construed to include vehicular tires, tire casings, oil or batteries.
[Amended 11-18-2002; 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014[1]]
A. 
Each person who places items at the curb for collection and disposal by the Town of West Seneca shall separate nonrecyclable material from recyclable material and prepare the same for collection and disposal in accordance with this chapter.
B. 
Totes conforming to the specifications of this chapter shall be used when storing or placing garbage and recyclable materials at the curb for collection by the Town. When filled, a tote shall not exceed 150 pounds in weight. Garbage or recyclable material shall not be placed on the curb or on any public street unless the same is in a tote as required by this section, unless otherwise authorized by this section.
C. 
An authorized collector shall have no obligation to collect and shall not collect or remove any brush, construction debris, garbage, large household furnishing, major appliance, recyclable material or solid waste not prepared for collection in accordance with this chapter.
D. 
An authorized collector shall have no obligation to collect and shall not collect or remove any brush, construction debris, garbage, large household furnishing, major appliance, recyclable material or solid waste which was not produced or generated within the premises upon which it is so placed, and the placing for such collection of any brush, construction debris, garbage, large household furnishing, major appliance, recyclable material or solid waste originating at a location other than the one upon which it is placed for collection is hereby prohibited.
E. 
All municipal solid waste shall be collected by an authorized collector under contract with the municipality or by a licensed private collector under private subscription.
F. 
Brush, grass clippings, and tree parts may be placed at the curb for collection in a paper bag or containers of not more than 20 gallons capacity which do not meet the definition of totes. Brush, grass clippings and tree parts may not be placed in plastic bags. Bags and containers, when filled shall weigh not more than 50 pounds. Brush, grass clippings and tree parts shall not be placed in totes.
G. 
Any and all brush and tree parts produced by the individual activity or efforts of the owner or occupant of the premises shall be tied in bundles not to exceed 36 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter and weighing no more than 50 pounds.
H. 
All major appliances or large household furnishings not capable of being placed in receptacles or bundles as provided herein may be placed at the curbline or pavement line only on the scheduled pickup collection day for that area. It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner to dismantle the appliance or furnishing so that it will not be a hazard to the public. Specifically, all refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed.
I. 
Any construction debris which results from work performed by an owner or occupant individually may be placed in a tote for collection by the Town of West Seneca. Construction or other debris which results from work by a contractor shall be removed and discarded appropriately by the contractor.
J. 
Protruding nails and other sharp objects, including glass that may inflict bodily harm to personnel or residents of the Town of West Seneca, shall be removed from all solid waste prior to being deposited in containers or bundled for collection.
K. 
Recyclable material shall be placed in recycling totes supplied by the Town for recycling materials as herein provided.
L. 
Tires, batteries, motor oil and paint shall be separated from other recyclables and nonrecyclables and brought to an area and at a time designated by resolution of the Town Board to be disposed of at a nominal charge.
[1]
Editor's Note: With this local law, former §§ 101-4 and 101-5 were amended and, in effect, combined in § 101-4, former §§ 101-6 through 101-13 were redesignated as §§ 101-5 through 101-12, respectively, and § 101-13.1 was redesignated as § 101-13.
[Amended 5-4-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007; 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
A. 
The Town shall provide and assign to each residential unit and other authorized unit one garbage tote and one recycling tote. Additional garbage and recycling totes may be obtained as outlined in this chapter. Garbage totes shall be used for the collection, storage and disposal of all garbage and nonrecyclable refuse and rubbish that may accumulate or be produced by them. Recycling totes shall be used for the collection, storage and disposal of recyclable materials.
B. 
Garbage and nonrecyclable refuse and rubbish shall be stored in the garbage tote with the lid completely closed. No garbage tote shall exceed 150 pounds in weight when filled.
C. 
Recycling materials shall be stored in the recycling tote with the lid completely closed. No recycling tote shall exceed 150 pounds in weight when filled.
D. 
All garbage and recycling totes shall be maintained in good condition. All garbage and recycling totes shall be kept as sanitary as possible in view of the use to which they are put and shall be thoroughly cleaned by the owner or occupant of the premises after garbage or recyclable materials are removed by the collector. Except when placed at the curbline for collection, all totes shall be stored on the property producing the solid waste.
[Amended 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
A. 
All garbage totes, recycling totes and other receptacles shall be transferred to the curbline or pavement line in front of the premises.
B. 
No garbage tote, recycling tote or other receptacle shall be set out for collection before 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding collection and shall be at the curb for collection by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection.
C. 
Garbage totes, recycling totes and other receptacles shall be removed from the curbline within 12 hours after being emptied to a place invisible from the street.
[Amended 2-10-2014 by L.L. No. 1-2014]
A. 
The Town of West Seneca shall provide for the collection and disposal of all recyclable material, as well as for the collection and disposal of up to a maximum of two garbage totes per week, from each residential unit or other authorized unit.
B. 
The Town of West Seneca will collect cut grass, brush and tree parts produced by owners or occupants, provided that such cut grass, brush and tree parts were generated at the site upon which they are placed for collection and they are placed for disposal.
C. 
Town employees or equipment shall not enter private property or other structures in making collections under the chapter.
D. 
The Town shall have no obligation to pick up and remove any solid waste which was not produced within the Town of West Seneca.
E. 
Ownership of waste material which has been placed at the curb for collection in accordance with this chapter shall vest in the Town of West Seneca. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter for any person without authority from the Town to collect, pick up, remove or cause to be collected, picked up or removed any rubbish. Each such collection, pickup or removal of waste material from one or more premises shall constitute a separate and distinct offense in violation of this chapter.
A. 
No person shall allow, permit or cause to exist any unsanitary or filthy condition in or about any premises owned, used or occupied by said person. Any unauthorized accumulation of solid waste on any premises is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is prohibited.
B. 
No person shall cart to, dump, burn, deposit or otherwise dispose of or cause to be carted, dumped, burned, deposited or otherwise disposed of any solid waste upon any public highway, street or other public place or on any private property, except as provided in this chapter or under the authorization, supervision and direction of the Highway Superintendent or the Solid Waste Coordinator.
C. 
Collection and disposal.
(1) 
The Town of West Seneca shall not collect dangerous, hazardous or chemically toxic wastes, including but not limited to the following:
(a) 
Dangerous wastes: wastes that represent an immediate threat to the safety of Town employees and general public, such as jagged or protruding objects, broken glass, nails, etc.
(b) 
Hazardous wastes: wastes as defined in the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and regulations thereto, including but not limited to:
[1] 
Ignitable wastes, such as paint thinners, solvent-based cleaners, degreasers (e.g., acetone and xylene) or gasoline.
[2] 
Corrosive wastes, such as battery acid, metal cleaning, both sludges (e.g., sodium hydroxide, sulfuric or hydrochloric acid).
[3] 
Reactive wastes such as cyanide metal plating sludges or any waste that will react violently with water or generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes, (e.g., sodium metal).
[4] 
EP toxicity wastes which produce an extract containing contaminants such as arsenic, lead, chromium, silver or herbicides; or industrial process wastes, contaminated soil from spill or other solids containing any of the metals or organic materials in excess of the concentrations listed in the state law and regulations thereto.
[5] 
Toxic wastes, such as sludges from solvent recovery, solvents and the industry-specific wastes listed in Part 371, § 371.4(b), of the Consolidated Laws of New York Codes Rules and Regulations.
(2) 
Dangerous, hazardous and chemically toxic wastes shall be disposed of by the owner or producer of the same and at the sole cost and expense of the producer.
D. 
It shall be the duty of every person, owner or occupant of every dwelling within the Town to keep such buildings free and clear of all kinds of solid waste and to keep the sidewalk and yard areas clean.
E. 
No dirt, stone, brick, concrete or other substance that may accumulate as a result of building construction, demolition, remodeling or repair operations shall be set out for collection by the Department of Sanitation but shall be otherwise disposed of by the owner or contractor.
F. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the maintenance of a single compost pile located in the rear yard of a residence.
[Amended 9-26-2022 by L.L. No. 14-2022]
A. 
The collection and disposal of solid waste shall be under the direction and control of the Town Board or its designee.
B. 
Such individual, or any designee, shall be empowered to designate the days of collection and to make rules and regulations concerning all matters pertaining to the collection and disposal of solid waste.
C. 
The collection and disposal of recyclable waste shall be under the direction and control of the Town Board or its designee.
D. 
Such individual, or any designee, shall be empowered to designate the days of collection and to make rules and regulations concerning all matters pertaining to the collection and disposal of recyclable waste.
E. 
Such individual(s), in addition to the Highway Superintendent and Code Enforcement Officer, are authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations.
[Amended 12-7-1992]
A. 
All authorized collectors must obtain a solid waste collecting license from the Town of West Seneca. A fee for such license shall be set by the governing body on an annual basis, and all licenses shall be issued for the calendar year or such portion thereof. There shall be no reduction in the fee for a license issued after the beginning of any calendar year.
B. 
An authorized collector sticker shall be prominently displayed on each vehicle operated by or on behalf of the authorized collector.
C. 
Authorized collector applications may be denied if the applicant or licensee has been adjudged or administratively determined to have committed one or more violations of this chapter during the preceding calendar year.
D. 
All authorized collectors licensed by the Town of West Seneca shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town of West Seneca for any pending, threatened or actual claims, liability or expenses arising from waste disposal by the authorized collector in violation of this chapter.
E. 
Authorized collectors shall offer collection services for all recyclable materials to all residential customers from whom they provide municipal solid waste collection services at the same times and on the same days as services are provided to their customers for solid waste collection.
F. 
Each collector who shall apply for a license under this section shall complete an application for solid waste collection license to be issued by the Town of West Seneca Solid Waste Coordinator. Each collector shall maintain separate monthly records of solid waste and recyclable materials collected, transported or disposed of by the authorized collector, which shall include the following information:
(1) 
The municipality or geographical area and number of units in which the solid waste or recyclable material was generated.
(2) 
The quantity, by ton, of solid waste and of each type of recyclable material collected.
(3) 
The quantity, by ton, of recycled material delivered to a recycling facility(ies) and the location of the recycling facility(ies).
(4) 
The quantity, by ton, of solid waste delivered to each facility.
G. 
Reports containing the information required as stated above shall be compiled and delivered to the Town of West Seneca Solid Waste Coordinator or other designated individual for each reporting period as designated by the regulations, but which shall be no more frequently than quarterly.
H. 
Authorized collectors shall not accept for collection municipal solid waste which has not been source-separated in conformity with this chapter.
I. 
The annual license fee shall be as follows:
(1) 
Master or firm license: $100.
(2) 
Per truck license: $50.
A. 
When the designated public official determines that a failure to comply with this chapter may have occurred, she/he shall recommend to the municipality that the authorized collector application or the license be denied, suspended or revoked or its holder subjected to a reprimand or fine or that the generator or originator of the solid waste or recyclable materials be subject to sanctions, fines or penalties herein. Notice and an opportunity to be heard shall be provided prior to the denial, suspension or revocation of a solid waste license or authorized collector permit or the issuance of a sanction, fine or penalty.
[Amended 12-7-1992]
B. 
The designated public official shall notify the affected generator, applicant or licensee of the alleged failure in writing. The notice shall include the following:
(1) 
A statement of the condition allegedly violated, referring to the pertinent ordinance, law, rule or regulation.
(2) 
A short and plain statement of the alleged misconduct.
(3) 
A statement of the time, place and nature of the hearing.
C. 
The notice shall be personally served or sent by registered mail to the generator, applicant or licensee's last known address at least 10 days before the hearing date, with a copy to the administrator.
D. 
Hearings.
(1) 
Hearings shall be held before the Town Justice within a reasonable period, which shall be at least 10 days after service of notice.
(2) 
The generator, applicant or licensee may be represented by counsel at the hearing and may offer evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
(3) 
Within 20 days after the close of the hearing, the Town Justice shall:
(a) 
Determine whether the alleged failure to comply with this chapter has occurred; and
(b) 
If the Town Justice determines that such a failure has occurred, decide whether the generator or applicant shall be subject to a fine or penalty, the application shall be denied or an existing solid waste license or authorized collector status be suspended or revoked or its holder subjected to a reprimand and issue an order carrying out this decision.
E. 
Determinations, decisions and orders.
(1) 
Disposition may be made by stipulation, agreed settlements, consent order, default or other informal method.
(2) 
The Town Justice shall promptly notify the applicant or licensee, in writing, of the final determination, decision or order.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for:
(1) 
Any person other than those persons so authorized to collect any designated recyclable which has been placed at the roadside for collection or within a recycling collection area pursuant to this chapter.
(2) 
Any person to violate or to cause or to assist in the violation of any provision of this chapter or any implementing rule or regulation.
(3) 
Any person to place or to cause to be placed any material other than a designated recyclable in or near a recycling collection area.
(4) 
Any person to hinder, obstruct, prevent or interfere with this Town or its employees or any other authorized persons in the performance of any duty under this chapter or in the enforcement of this chapter.
B. 
All unlawful conduct set forth in this section shall constitute a violation.
[Added 5-14-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007]
A. 
Every occupant or owner of a dwelling or dwelling unit and any other property shall store and dispose of accumulated rubbish, boxes, lumber, scrap metal, tires or any other materials in such a manner as to prevent rodent harboring in or about such property. Materials shall be stacked neatly in piles elevated to a level high enough to permit effective cleaning.
B. 
Every owner of a dwelling containing two or more dwelling units shall supply facilities or make provisions for the storage and disposal of accumulated rubbish, boxes, lumber, scrap metal or any other materials in such a manner as to prevent rodent harborage in or about the shared or public areas of a dwelling or its premises. Material shall be stacked neatly in piles elevated at a level high enough to permit effective cleaning.
C. 
No owner or occupant of any dwelling or dwelling unit and any other property shall store, place or allow to accumulate any materials that may serve as food or harborage for rodents in a site accessible to rodents.
D. 
Garbage receptacles shall be kept secure and closed at all times. Areas for storage shall be kept free and clear of any and all accumulation that is not properly secured. At no time may any garbage or trash be stored outside in plastic bags or other non-rodent-proof containers.
E. 
No person shall feed in the open any domestic or wild fowl, birds or animals except in such a manner so as to prevent scattering of feed or seed upon the ground or ground level which can or will provide food for rodents, insects, vermin or other pests.
The Town of West Seneca or any other person collecting solid waste generated within this Town may refuse to collect solid waste from any person who has clearly failed to source-separate recyclables designated under an applicable section of this chapter.
A. 
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with or in any way modify the provisions of any existing contract in force in the Town on the effective date of this chapter.
B. 
No renewal of any existing contract upon the expiration of the original term thereof and no new contract for the collection, transportation, processing or purchase of solid waste or recyclables shall be entered into after the effective date of this chapter unless renewal of such contract shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
A. 
Any person who engages in unlawful conduct as defined in this chapter may, upon conviction thereof in a proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction, be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not to exceed fifteen (15) days or to a term of community service related to the purposes of this chapter or to pay a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.) and not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.), or any combination of the above penalties.
B. 
Each continuing day of violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense.
A. 
In addition to any other remedy provided in this chapter, the Town may institute a suit in equity where unlawful conduct exists as defined in this chapter for an injunction to restrain a violation of this chapter.
B. 
The penalties and remedies prescribed by this chapter shall be deemed concurrent. The existence or exercise of any remedy shall not prevent this Town from exercising any other remedy provided by this chapter or otherwise provided at law or equity.
The terms and provisions of this chapter are to be liberally construed so as best to achieve and effectuate the goals and purposes hereof.