Illegal Dumping / Refuse / Trash
Illegal dumping effects everyone because it is costly to taxpayers and destructive to the City’s quality of life.
It increases waste disposal costs that are the fastest climbing charges on our tax bills and accelerates the blighting effect of litter, graffiti and neglect on entire neighborhoods.
WHO’S GUILTY ??
The culprits include area residents who try to avoid disposal charges by depositing trash in alleys, vacant lots, litter containers or at the curbside, as well as contractors and businesses that dump whole truck-loads of waste illegally.
Strong enforcement measures against these scofflaws are now in effect to support the ongoing efforts by citizens, businesses and the City to cut refuse costs and clean up our environment.
PAYING THE PRICE...
Penalties for illegal dumping include stiff fines. Violators will also be subject to clean-up and disposal costs.
FINES FOR INDIVIDUALS BUSINESSES
- 1st Offense - $100 1st Offense - $1,000
- 2nd Offense - $200 2nd Offense - $2,500
- 3rd Offense - $300 3rd Offense - $5,000
BECOMING PART OF THE CURE
If you witness illegal dumping activities, please report them to your local NSC office. Be sure to provide as much information as possible:
- A description of the vehicle, including license number, make, and any identifying markings, such as "Joe’s Movers;"
- A description of the driver;
- The date and the time; and
- A photo of the offender, vehicle or incident, if one can be taken.
CITY CODE: Refuse Collection
Fequently asked questions regarding Illegal Dumping/Refuse and Trash:
To view the complete version of the City of Rochester's Refuse Ordinance, click the link above.
1) Is it legal for a landlord to place his/her refuse generated from another location to the curb for city collection at their residential rental property?
No, according to §20-16 this would constitute illegal dumping and carries with it fines ranging from $100 - $5,000.
§ 20-16. Illegal dumping.
No person shall place, throw, deposit or dump or cause to be placed, thrown, deposited or dumped any refuse, residential refuse, building refuse, bulk refuse, commercial refuse, institutional refuse, waste, construction waste, hazardous waste, industrial waste, infectious waste and/or recyclable materials in or upon any premises, street (including the area between the sidewalk and the curb), sidewalk or park, or in any litter basket, recycling bin or container placed in a right-of-way, park or public place, or provided for a special project or event. This section shall not apply to refuse placed for collection in front of the premises in which it originated, to filling for which a permit has been granted pursuant to Article IV of Chapter 39 of the Municipal Code or to the deposit of litter and recyclables generated on the public right-of-way in City litter baskets and street recycling bins by pedestrians and motorists, the placement of refuse generated in parks or other public places in provided receptacles, or to the deposit of refuse from special events or projects in containers placed for the collection of such refuse. Any motor vehicle used in connection with the commission of a violation of this section shall be towed in accordance with § 111-75 of the Municipal Code.
2) Where should my refuse containers be stored?
According to §20-14, refuse containers shall be stored at the side or rear of the property in a manner in which does not create a health hazard or a public nuisance.
§ 20-14. Storage of refuse.
No refuse shall be placed or stored on any premises within the City except as permitted by this article. Residential refuse shall be deposited promptly and stored in City-issued containers or alternate containers if the City-issued container is filled. Commercial refuse shall be deposited promptly and stored in City-issued containers or commercial containers. Containers shall be placed by the owner and/or occupant of the premises where such refuse originated at the rear or side yard of the main building on such premises. Such refuse shall be stored in a manner so as not to create a health hazard or public nuisance. Any substantial accumulation of refuse or waste is hereby declared to be a sanitary health hazard and a public nuisance. Refuse shall not be placed or stored in the street, sidewalk or gutters or in any public place except as directed herein or by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall have the authority to abate any sanitary health hazard or public nuisance and to impose the fees, charges and penalties of this chapter as well as the cost of disposal for such abatement.
3) When should my refuse be placed at the curb for service?
According to §20-15B, refuse should be placed at the curb no earlier than the night before collection.
§ 20-15. Preparation of refuse for collection and point of collection.
B. All residential refuse, including bulk refuse and building refuse, properly deposited in a City-issued container or as otherwise authorized in this chapter or by rule and regulation of the Commissioner, shall be placed for collection between the sidewalk and the curb or alongside the roadway in front of the premises at which the refuse originated, no earlier than the night before the scheduled refuse collection day. In the event that the City-issued container is filled, residents may deposit additional refuse in an alternate container for collection.
4) How soon after collection should I remove my containers from the curb?
According to §20-15K, refuse containers should be removed from the curb no later than 24 hours after collection.
§ 20-15. Preparation of refuse for collection and point of collection.
K. All containers shall be removed from the area between the sidewalk and the curb or alongside the roadway within 24 hours after collection and returned to their storage area at the rear or side yard of the premises.
5) Do I have to use a City of Rochester container? What if I have too much trash for one toter?
Alternate containers may be used according to the guidelines listed in §20-12 and §20-15.
§ 20-12. City-issued and alternate containers.
D. Alternate containers which have rusted through the sides or bottom or are bent, dented or damaged to the extent that they are not water- or flytight or vermin-resistant shall not be used for storing refuse. Containers shall be maintained at all times in a clean and sanitary condition.
E. Alternate containers declared unfit or useless shall be replaced with new alternate containers.
F. Disposable plastic bags which are waterproof, strong and securely tied may be used in addition to the City-issued container for large amounts of residential refuse. However, glass and other objects in refuse that are sharp or that could cause injury shall not be placed in plastic bags and shall be placed in either metal or plastic containers for collection. The total weight of objects placed in plastic bags shall not exceed 30 pounds. The Commissioner is authorized to revoke the use of plastic bags where safety and health conditions warrant.
§ 20-15. Preparation of refuse for collection and point of collection.
I. City-issued containers and alternate containers must not be filled over their level capacity.
6) Can my neighbor have loose garbage on their property?
No, section 305 of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State states as follows:
§PM305.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
7) What will happen if an owner does not remove the un-contained refuse from their property after a notice and order has been issued?
Seven days after a notice and order has been issued a reinspection will be conducted, if the violation remains, a ticket for $150 will be issued to the property owner and the debris will be sent to contract for removal at the expense of the property owner.
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