Chapter 13.08
GARBAGE AND REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Sections:
13.08.020 Accumulation of refuse.
13.08.030 Transporting refuse.
13.08.080 Refuse collection tax.
13.08.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
“Ashes” include the solid waste products of coal, wood and other fuels used for heating and cooking from all public and private establishments and from all residences.
“Garbage” includes all putrescible wastes, including vegetable matter and animal offal and carcasses of dead animals except sewage and shall include all such substances from all public and private establishments and from all residences.
“Refuse” includes garbage, rubbish, ashes, swill and all other putrescible and nonputrescible wastes except sewage, from all public and private establishments and residences.
“Rubbish” includes all nonputrescible wastes except ashes, from all public and private establishments and from all residences. (Prior code § 8.20.050(A))
13.08.020 Accumulation of refuse.
A. It is unlawful for any person to permit the accumulation of refuse herein defined so as to, in any manner, endanger the public health or create a public nuisance. Every person shall provide proper storage and disposal of refuse promptly and in a sanitary manner in accordance herewith and shall at all times prevent the same from, in any manner, becoming a menace to public health.
B. All containers used for the storage of garbage shall be of water tight, nonabsorbent material of cleanable construction with tight fitting lids, with a liquid capacity not in excess of thirty gallons and shall be maintained in a clean condition, free from an accumulation of organic material between uses. (Prior code § 8.20.050(B))
13.08.030 Transporting refuse.
The handling, hauling or transporting of any refuse over or upon any public road shall be in such a manner so as to prevent the scattering, spillage or leakage of such refuse upon said road, and it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to carry or transport refuse on any public road in any conveyance not properly equipped to prevent such scattering, spillage or leakage on said roads. Such conveyance shall be closed or covered with netting, tarpaulin, or other device to adequately prevent splattering, spillage or leakage and such conveyance, covering, and all other equipment and appurtenances shall be maintained in a clean condition to prevent the accumulation of organic material between uses or the creation of unnecessary odors. (Prior code § 8.20.050(D))
13.08.040 Disposal site.
A. No person shall deposit refuse in any place other than in a disposal site approved by the health officer.
B. The method employed in the final disposal of garbage shall conform to approved methods of a sanitary landfill, incineration, garbage grinding or such other methods as may be approved by the county health officer. (Prior code § 8.20.050(D))
13.08.050 Dead animals.
A. Proper disposal shall be made by the owner of the animal or by the owner of the property on which the animal is found.
B. The carcass of any dead animal shall be removed and disposed of by burial, incineration or other proper method within twenty-four hours after death. If the carcass is buried it shall be placed so that every part be covered by at least two feet of earth and at a location not less than one hundred feet from any well, spring, stream, or other surface waters, and in a place not subject to overflow. In all cases of death from communicable disease, the carcass, if disposed of by burial, shall first be thoroughly enveloped in unslaked lime. (Reference: Chapter 50.120, sec. 5, State Department of Health Rules and Regulations.) (Prior code § 8.20.050(E))
13.08.060 Permit and bond.
It is unlawful for any person to handle, haul, or transport refuse for hire without having first obtained a permit from the health officer and filing a surety bond in the sum of one thousand dollars with the county department of health to indemnify said county against any and all claims and damages arising from the violation thereof. (Prior code § 8.20.050(F))
13.08.065 Fees.
Pursuant to the application of this title, the person or persons involved shall pay nonrefundable fees established and set by the board of county commissioners. Such fees are to defray the expenses of providing solid waste services including but not limited to handling, hauling, or transporting of refuse; and for work related to reviewing, giving notice, holding hearings, issuing permits, or planning for solid waste services. (Res. R-34-08 (part))
13.08.070 Violation—Penalty.
A. It is unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to pay the solid waste disposal fee set by Adams County and as posted at the transfer station sites.
B. Any person or persons violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon any conviction thereof shall be punished by a term not to exceed thirty days in jail or by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars or by both such jail term and fine. (Res. R-34-08 (part): Res. 74-79 §§ 1, 2)
13.08.080 Refuse collection tax.
A solid waste collection tax of one percent, imposed by RCW 82.18.100, is added to the gross receipts of refuse received at all collection locations within the county, except on holding an exemption certificate. (Res. R-37-91; Res. 18-87)