Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

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CHAPTER 14 – SOLID WASTE

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Chapter 14: Solid Waste Ordinance Summary

This ordinance regulates how solid waste, recycling, and other materials are handled within the Borough of Ebensburg. It is divided into five main parts.

Part 1: Disposal of Garbage, Rubbish, and Refuse

  • Short Title: "Garbage Disposal Ordinance of the Borough of Ebensburg. "
  • Collection: The borough collects refuse from family units. Businesses must arrange their own disposal with private contractors under the Borough Manager's supervision.
  • Container Rules:
    • Garbage cans must be metal or plastic, watertight, and have a tight-fitting cover.
    • No single receptacle can hold more than 30 gallons.
    • Cans must be kept sanitary and in good condition.
  • Placement: Refuse containers should be placed within 5 feet of the curb or alley line for pickup.
  • Limits: Each family unit is limited to four cans or bags of refuse per week, with each container holding no more than 30 gallons.
  • Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $600 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

Part 2: Recycling

  • Short Title: "Recycling Ordinance of the Borough of Ebensburg. "
  • Program: The borough provides a recycling program with collection at least once per month.
  • Resident Responsibilities: Residents must separate recyclable materials and place them in containers provided by the borough at the curb.
  • Ownership: Once recyclables are placed at the curb for collection, they become the property of the borough.
  • Container Care: Residents are responsible for returning containers when they move or paying for replacements. Containers must only be used for the designated recycling program.

Part 3: Scavenging

  • Short Title: "Anti-Scavenging Ordinance of the Borough of Ebensburg. "
  • Prohibited Activities: It is unlawful for anyone other than an owner, licensed hauler, or private collector to:
    • Haul, transport, collect, or remove garbage from public or private property without a license.
    • Scavenge materials from any garbage, refuse, or rubbish stored for collection.
    • Sift, sort, separate, or disturb any garbage on public or private property.
  • Exceptions: The Borough Council may suspend these rules for designated periods, such as annual trash cleanup days.
  • Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $600 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

Part 4: Dumpsters

  • Placement: Dumpsters cannot be placed on streets, alleys, sidewalks, or rights-of-way unless a temporary permit is obtained from the Chief of Police.
  • Permit Requirements: To get a permit, the dumpster must:
    • Be illuminated with a warning light visible for 300 feet between sunset and sunrise.
    • Have a cover to prevent material from blowing out or water from accumulating.
    • Not leak liquid leachate onto public areas.
    • Display the name of the responsible company.
  • General Rules:
    • Property owners must have dumpsters emptied at least once a week.
    • Lids must be kept tightly secured when not in use.
    • The area around the dumpster must be kept clean.
    • Dumpsters must be made of fire-resistant metal (plastic is allowed for units under 1/2 cubic yard).
    • The hauler's name must be prominently displayed.
  • Enforcement: The Ebensburg Police Department is responsible for enforcing these rules.
  • Removal: If a dumpster is in violation, the owner must remove it within 24 hours of notification. Otherwise, the borough will move it at the owner's expense.
  • Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $600 plus costs and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

Part 5: Leaf Collection

  • Short Title: "Leaf Collection and Disposal Ordinance. "
  • Resident Responsibilities: Property owners must collect leaves and leaf waste and place them at or near the curb for borough pickup on designated days.
  • Prohibitions:
    • Leaves and leaf waste must not be placed on any street.
    • Burning leaves is strictly prohibited.
  • Alternatives: Owners are encouraged to mulch or compost leaf waste on their properties.
  • Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $600 plus costs and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense.
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