Chapter 8.12 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

The maintenance of health and sanitation requires, and it is the intention hereof, to encourage recycling and make the collection, removal and disposal of recyclable materials, garbage and refuse and dead animals within the city compulsory and universal. To that end, every person in possession, charge, or control of any building or property shall be required to use the city’s solid waste collection and disposal system and to dispose of solid waste as provided in this chapter. Further, all residential and commercial customers are encouraged to separate recyclables and yard waste from garbage. Unless exempted, all customers shall be charged for garbage collection services and residential customers shall be charged for residential recyclables collection services whether or not the customer chooses to use the collection services. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.020 Definitions.

A. “Commercial customer” means the person owning or associated with a business, including but not limited to hospitals; clinics; restaurants and other eating places; hotels; motels; schools; garages; service stations; stores; manufacturing establishments; and boardinghouses, apartment houses, condominiums or similar dwellings with six or more residential units located on one lot or that are used primarily for transient accommodations.

B. “Customer” means the person, usually the owner or owner’s designee, associated with a property, residence or business within the city who is responsible for disposal of solid waste generated at the property, residence, or business; for arranging for collection services; and for paying the fees set forth under this chapter.

C. “Director” means the public works director or his or her designee.

D. “Disposal fee” means the fee charged by the Skagit County transfer station or other approved solid waste processing facility for dumping solid waste.

E. “Garbage” means solid waste which includes unsegregated garbage, refuse and similar solid waste material generated by residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sources and community activities, including residue after recyclables have been separated.

F. “Organic materials” means materials acceptable for residential curbside pick-up and includes animal, fruit or vegetable matter resulting from food preparation or consumption and vegetative matter resulting from usual yard and landscaping maintenance that is not more than three feet in its longest dimension or four inches in diameter and fits in an organic materials cart utilized by residential customers, including, but not limited to, plant debris such as, grass clippings, leaves, prunings, weeds, branches, brush, bare holiday trees, and other materials identified in the current contract for curbside collection of recyclable materials, the contractor’s website, and educational materials provided by the city or the contractor.

G. “Person” means every natural person, joint venture, joint stock company, partnership, association, club, company, corporation, business, trust, organization, or the manager, lessee, agent, servant, officer or employee of any of them.

H. “Residential recyclables” means recyclable materials generated by a residential customer or the tenant of a residential customer, which are eligible for curbside pick-up under the city’s recycling program. Specific items shall be identified to the residential customer in educational materials provided by the contractor authorized to perform curbside collection.

I. “Solid waste” means all putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semisolid wastes, including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition and construction wastes, septage, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, including waste tires, contaminated soils and contaminated dredged material, yard waste, and recyclable materials.

J. “Yard waste” means plant material commonly created in the course of maintaining yards and gardens, and through horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or similar activities. Yard debris includes but is not limited to grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flowers, roots, windfall fruit, vegetable garden debris, holiday trees, and tree prunings four inches or less in diameter. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.030 Carts and dumpsters – Required when.

A. Garbage. Every residential and commercial customer shall obtain a cart or dumpster designated for garbage collection and use the cart or dumpster at all times to deposit or cause to be deposited garbage generated or accumulated at the property in the cart or dumpster.

B. Recyclable Materials. Every residential customer shall obtain a cart designated for recyclable materials to use for the collection and disposal of recyclable materials generated or accumulated by the residential customer.

C. Organic Materials. Residential customer may obtain a cart for curbside collection services of organic materials by subscribing to that service with the contractor providing curbside collection of organic materials. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.040 Carts and dumpsters – Provision.

A. Carts and dumpsters for the collection of garbage shall be provided by the city. Residential customers at single-family dwelling units may chose a level of service based on cart size. The director shall determine, on an individual basis, whether wheeled carts or dumpsters are appropriate for multifamily dwelling units and commercial customers.

B. Carts for residential curbside collection of recyclable and organic materials shall be provided by the contractor providing such collection services. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.050 Carts and dumpsters – Maintenance.

Customers shall keep the carts and dumpsters provided under MVMC 8.12.030 and 8.12.040 in a sanitary condition with the outside thereof clean and free from grease and decomposing materials. Each such cart and dumpster shall be kept in or placed in a location accessible to the collector on scheduled collection days. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.055 Cart – Weight limitation.

A. Maximum allowable weights for the various sized carts when used for garbage collection are as follows:

Cart Size	Maximum Weight
20 gallon	30 pounds
35 gallon	53 pounds
64 gallon	96 pounds
96 gallon	144 pounds

B. Maximum weights for various sized carts shall be set forth in the current contract for collection of recyclable and organic materials.

C. Collectors may refuse to collect any carts which exceed these weight limits. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.060 Bulk collection containers permitted when.

After considering need, siting and safety and upon execution of an equipment rental contract and dumpster use instruction sheet, the director may approve the provision of dumpsters, including 10-, 20-, and 30-yard roll-off dumpsters for the permanent or temporary collection of garbage, construction and demolition debris, and yard waste for commercial customers, residential dwellings on a temporary basis, and locations in the business districts. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.061 Construction standards for dumpster enclosures, pads, and fencing.

Every customer using dumpsters shall provide an area, pad, and enclosure for such containers that meet the standards set forth in Chapter 17.85 MVMC. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.062 Bin enclosure location standards.

Repealed by Ord. 3830. (Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.064 Enclosure pad size requirements.

Repealed by Ord. 3830. (Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.066 Pad and roll-out area construction standards.

Repealed by Ord. 3830. (Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.068 Enclosure requirements.

Repealed by Ord. 3830. (Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.070 Dead animals – Disposal required.

It shall be the duty of every person in possession, charge or control of any dead animal or upon whose premises the same may be located to forthwith cause the same to be removed and disposed of by the city animal control officer. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.085 Certain materials prohibited.

A. It is unlawful to set out for collection any material likely to produce dust, fumes or vapors or any material likely to be carried by the wind unless such material is securely bagged and tied and contained within the garbage cart or dumpster in such a manner as to prevent it from being so carried by the wind or giving off such dust, fumes or vapors during the process of garbage collection.

B. Recyclable materials shall be rinsed and cleaned before placed in a cart for curbside collection. Placement of contaminated recyclable materials, hazardous materials, or materials not designated as recyclable or organic or in a cart allows the collector to reject collection or to impose a service charge. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.090 Burning, dumping or collection prohibited when.

It is unlawful for any person to burn solid waste, excepting waste paper, boxes, rubbish and debris, brush, grass, weeds and cuttings from trees, lawns or gardens that are burned in a furnace or upon permit from the fire chief; or to dump or deposit any solid waste, yard waste or recyclable material upon any street or alley or private property in the city; or to collect, remove or dispose of the same except as in this chapter provided. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.100 Department – Administrative authority.

The administration of the solid waste utility as set out in this chapter shall be the responsibility of the mayor of the city, who shall have full power and authority to administer the same as he or she deems expedient and advisable unless otherwise directed by the city council. The mayor of the city may delegate routine administrative duties, including, but not limited to, administering contracts for the provision of dumpsters and addressing complaints, to the director or the manager of the public works solid waste division. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.110 Collection times designated.

A. The solid waste utility shall collect, remove and dispose of all garbage in the residential sections of the city at least once each week, and from hotels, restaurants, boardinghouses, eating places, apartment houses, schools and hospitals and in the business section of the city not less than once a week or, in the discretion of the city solid waste utility supervisor, more often as may be required.

B. The city shall perform or provide for curbside collection of properly separated and placed recyclable materials from residential customers at least once every other week. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.120 Fees – Designated – Increases authorized when – Special charges – Recordkeeping.

The fees for garbage collection and refuse services, and for collection of recyclable materials, shall be as follows:

A. Residential Buildings of One to Four Units. Garbage collection for residential dwellings with four or fewer living units shall be performed once per week. Curbside collection of recyclable materials for residential dwellings with four or fewer living units shall be performed once every other week. Fees shall be assessed for the collection of garbage and refuse and for curbside collection of recyclable materials as set forth below:

1. The monthly base fee for garbage collection of residential dwellings with four or fewer living units including Washington State refuse tax shall be as follows:

Roll Cart Service Rates
Roll Cart Service	Current Rates	October 14, 2024	January 1, 2026	January 1, 2027	January 1, 2028
35-gallon cart	$24.20	$28.85	$30.45	$31.80	$33.20
65-gallon cart	$35.35	$36.00	$37.90	$39.60	$41.35
95-gallon cart	$47.55	$49.00	$49.30	$49.30	$49.30
20-gallon senior	$10.20	$12.20	$12.85	$13.40	$13.95
35-gallon senior	$18.70	$20.20	$21.30	$22.25	$23.25
65-gallon senior	N/A	$25.20	$26.54	$27.70	$28.95

Extra garbage:
In addition to current service level:
$5.50 per extra 35 gallons; $2.25 per extra 20 gallons

Customers subject to garbage collection charges shall enroll for the desired level of service by applying to the office of the finance director in the form and manner provided by the office. Fees are payable regardless of whether garbage is set out for collection. Where no service level has been designated by the current owner it shall be assumed that service level will be at the base rate of one regular 35-gallon cart.

B. Business-Commercial (Including Five Residential Units or More). Collection fees for the collection of garbage and refuse of business and commercial establishments, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, boardinghouses, apartment houses of five or more units, schools, garages, service stations and manufacturing establishments and other businesses without limitations shall be as follows:

1. A monthly fee shall be established at a base rate including Washington State refuse tax as follows:

Service Level – Cart:

Any customer using more than four cans, or where garbage is not adequately contained, may, at the discretion of the solid waste utility supervisor, be required to utilize a bin for garbage disposal and shall be charged at the commercial rate set forth above.

Service Level – Bins (bin size in yards)
Regular Commercial Container Service	Current Rates	October 14, 2024	January 1, 2026	January 1, 2027	January 1, 2028
1-Yard Weekly	$83.58	$98.35	$103.21	$107.34	$112.26
Extra Pick-Up – 1 Yd.	$24.59	$24.59	$25.80	$26.84	$28.07
1.5-Yard Weekly	$110.72	$130.55	$137.04	$142.40	$148.76
Extra Pick-Up – 1.5 Yd.	$32.64	$32.64	$34.26	$35.60	$37.19
2-Yard Weekly	$137.86	$162.74	$170.87	$177.46	$185.26
Extra Pick-Up – 2 Yd.	$40.69	$40.69	$42.72	$44.37	$46.31
4-Yard Weekly	$246.43	$291.51	$306.19	$317.70	$331.25
Extra Pick-Up – 4 Yd.	$72.88	$72.88	$76.55	$79.43	$82.81
6-Yard Weekly	$367.09	$442.39	$464.65	$482.17	$502.80
Extra Pick-Up – 6 Yd.	$110.60	$110.60	$116.16	$120.54	$125.70
8-Yard Weekly	$463.57	$556.47	$584.59	$606.31	$631.79
Extra Pick-Up – 8 Yd.	$139.12	$139.12	$146.15	$151.58	$157.95

Note: Extra pick-up is charged when a customer requests an unscheduled pick-up.

Temporary Container Fees:
Temporary Containers	October 14, 2024	January 1, 2025	January 1, 2026	January 1, 2027	January 1, 2028
Delivery Fee	$17.00	$17.00	$18.00	$19.00	$20.00
Daily Rental Fee	$6.00	$6.00	$6.00	$7.00	$8.00
1-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$24.59	$24.59	$25.80	$26.84	$28.07
1.5-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$32.64	$32.64	$34.26	$35.60	$37.19
2-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$40.69	$40.69	$42.72	$44.37	$46.31
4-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$72.88	$72.88	$76.55	$79.43	$82.81
6-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$110.60	$110.60	$116.16	$120.54	$125.70
8-Yard Pick-Up Fee	$139.12	$139.12	$146.15	$151.58	$157.95

2. For business-commercial establishments served by city-owned 10-yard, 20-yard or 30-yard bins, the following base daily/monthly fees including Washington State refuse tax, plus actual tipping fees charged to the city by the disposal site, will apply and entitles the customer to one collection per month.

Drop Box/Roll Off Compactor Service:
Drop Box/Roll Off Compactor Service	October 14, 2024	January 1, 2025	January 1, 2026	January 1, 2027	January 1, 2028
Drop Box Haul Fee	$213.00	$213.00	$227.00	$239.00	$251.00
Compactor Haul Fee	$258.00	$258.00	$274.00	$288.00	$302.00
Disposal Fee per Ton	$131.00	$131.00	$134.00	$137.00	$140.00
Drop Box Delivery Fee	$60.00	$60.00	$66.00	$70.00	$74.00
Drop Box Moving Fee	$60.00	$60.00	$66.00	$70.00	$74.00
10-Yard Rental – Daily	$10.00	$10.00	$11.00	$12.00	$13.00
10-Yard Rental – Monthly	$80.00	$80.00	$85.00	$90.00	$95.00
20-Yard Rental – Daily	$12.00	$12.00	$13.00	$14.00	$15.00
20-Yard Rental – Monthly	$85.00	$85.00	$90.00	$95.00	$100.00
30-Yard Rental – Daily	$15.00	$15.00	$16.00	$17.00	$18.00
30-Yard Rental – Monthly	$97.00	$97.00	$103.00	$109.00	$115.00

Other Service Rates:
Service Description	Rate	Service Description	Rate
Additional Garbage Fee (per 20 gal increments)	$2.25	Cart Replacement Fee	Actual
Return Trip Charge	$20.00	Repair Fees	Actual
Dumpster Cleaning fees – per occurrence	$50.00	Lock and Keys	$15.00
Compactor Cleaning fees – per occurrence	$100.00	Hourly Charge	$95.00

C. Recognizing the constant increase in costs of maintenance and operation of the garbage service facilities of the city, the mayor shall be and is specifically granted the power and authority to increase the charges for garbage collection services to business-commercial customers an additional 50 percent through administrative order. This authority shall be a part of the currently established fees and may be exercised by the mayor without the necessity of additional public hearings or legislative action. No charges in excess thereof shall be made except by specific consent and approval of the city council.

D. Any person who qualifies for exemption from all excess property taxes pursuant to the terms of RCW 84.36.381 shall be entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the 20-gallon cart rate, if applicable, or a 25 percent reduction of the 35-gallon cart rate, if applicable, for the garbage and refuse collection fees associated with the resident to which the property tax exemption of RCW 84.36.381 applies; provided, however, that no person shall be entitled to such reduction without first providing proof satisfactory to the city finance director that they are currently entitled to the property tax exemption. Such proof may consist of documents or copies of documents from the county assessor’s office showing that the applicant meets the necessary qualifications set forth in RCW 84.36.381. The fee reduction shall be granted for 12 months from the date the person shows proof that they are entitled to such reduction and may be renewed on an annual basis by again showing proof that the person is still entitled pursuant to the terms of this subsection. Such reduction in rates shall not be applicable to that portion of the fees in subsection A of this section that are charged for recycling collection.

E. There shall be no credit given for fees charged to residences or other buildings on the basis that such residence or building is, has been, or may be vacant. Exemptions for service charges may be granted with prior notice for a minimum period of two months on the basis that such residence or building will be vacant. No credit will be granted for after-the-fact notification.

F. Should there be needed or desired additional services than as provided by the normal routine pick-up schedules of the solid waste utility or should there be any request for the cleaning up and removal of brush, weeds, rubbish or debris, or for bulk collection of garbage and refuse, or should there be a need for unclassified and miscellaneous service or collection needs, all fees for such special service shall be fixed and determined in advance through the city solid waste utility supervisor and request therefor shall be made at such office prior to the furnishing of any collection service as outlined above. The city solid waste utility supervisor is authorized to establish reasonable fees for such services which shall be sufficient to recover the cost of providing the service, including labor, equipment and administrative costs. Fees for collection of extra garbage shall as nearly as possible follow the rates established for routine collection, and shall be $5.50 per extra can, and $2.25 per extra 1/2 cans.

G. “Extra bags/cans” shall refer to any bag or can placed out for collection more than that for which the customer is currently enrolled.

H. Yard Waste Punch Card. The fee for yard waste disposal service shall be as follows:

1. For brush (for purposes of this section, any yard waste material which must be chipped prior to disposal, such as branches, etc.):

a. A minimum charge of $1.00; for loads more than one cubic yard additional charges will apply.

2. For compost materials (for purposes of this section, any yard waste materials which do not need to be chipped prior to disposal, such as grass, leaves, fruits, vegetables, etc.):

a. A minimum charge of $1.00 per two 35-gallon cans, or the equivalent if in bags.

The fee for yard waste disposal must be prepaid through the purchase of a punch card. Punch cards shall be available for purchase at either the City Yard Waste Facility, 409 W Fir Street, or at City Hall, 910 Cleveland Avenue, in the finance department, during normal business hours. Each punch card shall entitle the bearer to yard waste disposal service in the amount of $5.00, $10.00, or $20.00. (Ord. 3896 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3851 § 1, 2022; Ord. 3845 § 1, 2022; Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3827 § 2, 2021; Ord. 3807 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3788 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3744 § 1, 2018; Ord. 3470 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.122 Billing procedures.

A. Charges for garbage collection, together with sewer service charges under Chapter 13.32 MVMC, are the responsibility of the owner in fee of any property chargeable for such service and shall be billed on the same statement to the owner in fee of the subject property last made known to the city, and to the last known address.

B. Charges for curbside collection of recyclable materials and organics shall be billed separately by the contractor providing such services.

C. It shall be the duty of every property owner within the city to notify the office of the finance director of the fact of ownership and the address to which billing should be made. It shall be the duty of every property owner within the city to provide to the office of the finance director a current contact phone number of either the property owner or property manager. Property owners are required to notify the office of the finance director of any changes made to their contact phone number within five days of any change. Any purchaser of property within the city shall notify the office of the finance director of the date of purchase and the proper billing address immediately upon acquisition of such interest; provided, however, that any owner in fee may designate another party to receive billing statements (such as a tenant) if such owner shall do so in writing together with a waiver of notice of such bills or any liens for delinquent accounts. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008. Formerly 8.12.123).

8.12.125 Access and use of city-owned bins restricted.

Use of city-owned bins shall be restricted to use by the owner or employees of the business-commercial establishment to which the bin has been provided and solely for the purpose of depositing garbage and refuse for collection by the solid waste utility. Any unauthorized use of such bins shall be unlawful. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.130 Separation of garbage – Option preserved by city.

The city reserves the right to and may at its option require the separation of paper or swill or other component parts of garbage and refuse or any of them, may require the deposit thereof in separate cans or receptacles and may prescribe the method of disposal thereof. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.140 Swill – Sale and removal permitted when.

Until otherwise provided swill may, with the approval of the solid waste utility and subject to its rules and regulations, be used or sold by the persons producing same and removed beyond the city limits by the person using or purchasing same. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.143 Yard waste – Collection stations and rates established.

A. The city shall establish and maintain one or more collection stations for yard wastes. Such station or stations shall be available to the citizens of the city for the disposal of yard wastes. Days and hours of operation shall be as established by the mayor. The mayor shall cause notice to be made to the public by such means as the mayor shall deem most appropriate, describing the availability of such station, its purpose, location or locations and days and hours of operation.

B. Yard Waste Punch Card. The fee for yard waste disposal service at a city yard waste collection station shall be as follows:

1. For brush (for purposes of this section, any yard waste material which must be chipped prior to disposal, such as branches, etc.):

a. A minimum charge of $1.00;

b. For loads in excess of one cubic yard, up to $2.00;

c. For loads in excess of two cubic yards, up to $3.00;

d. For loads in excess of five cubic yards, up to $6.00.

2. For compost materials (for purposes of this section, any yard waste materials which do not need to be chipped prior to disposal, such as grass, leaves, fruits, vegetables, etc.):

a. A minimum charge of $1.00 per two 35-gallon cans, or the equivalent if in bags.

C. The fee for yard waste disposal at a city yard waste collection station must be prepaid through the purchase of a punch card. Punch cards shall be available for purchase at either the City Yard Waste Facility, 409 W Fir Street, or at City Hall, 910 Cleveland Avenue, in the finance department, during normal business hours. Each punch card shall entitle the bearer to yard waste disposal service in the amount of $5.00, $10.00, or $20.00. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.146 Yard waste – Restrictions on disposal – Use of subscription service.

A. Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful to set out for collection any grass, yard clippings, tree trimmings, weeds or any other yard wastes, and the same shall not be collected by the garbage collectors.

B. Residential customers may arrange for scheduled, curbside collection of organic materials through a business authorized by the city to provide such service.

C. This section is not intended to restrict persons from on-site composting of yard waste generated on the property, contracting for yard maintenance services, or hauling yard wastes to a facility that accepts yard wastes for disposal and composting. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.150 Delinquent charges – Enforcement of collection.

A. Charges made for garbage collection services made pursuant to this chapter shall become delinquent if not paid within 25 days following the billing date. If such charges are not paid by the twenty-fifth day following the billing date, interest shall accrue at the annual rate of eight percent, computed monthly, until the account is paid. In the event any billing or other service charge has not been paid within 60 days of billing, the city shall mail a delinquency notice to the property owner of records or to the corporate agent if the property or business is owned by a corporation and to the occupant if the owner of record does not reside at the premises. The delinquency notice shall provide the following:

1. Notice that payment for service is overdue, an itemization of the total amount due including the period covered by the charges, the address of the premises to be charged, and that a statutory lien for overdue amounts may be imposed and recorded with the county auditor;

2. A date certain by which the account must be settled, which date shall not exceed 10 days from the date of the notice; and

3. The address and telephone number of the finance or billing department, stating that the owner or occupant may contact the department if a dispute exists as to liability for the billing or the validity of any lien.

Additional delinquency notices may be mailed to cover additional accrued debts. The customer shall be charged $10.00 for each delinquency notice.

B. Charges, including interest on past-due accounts, made for residential curbside collection of recyclable and organic materials shall be collected in compliance with laws applicable to the collection of debts.

C. Collection services may be suspended for nonpayment of past-due accounts. Such suspension shall not relieve the debtor from the duty of complying with the provisions of this chapter or the accrual of mandatory fees for the collection of garbage or recyclable materials. Suspension of garbage collection services may render the premises where such service is suspended subject to condemnation for sanitary reasons.

D. Upon the failure to pay any charges imposed pursuant to this chapter, the amount thereof shall become a lien against the property for which the collection service was provided. Such lien shall encompass all delinquent and unpaid rates and charges for garbage collection, penalties, and interest thereon, all in accordance with RCW 35.21.140. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.160 Collection by others than department prohibited when.

A. It is unlawful for any person other than said solid waste utility to engage in the business of collecting, removing and disposing of garbage and refuse and dead animals in the city, or for any person other than said solid waste utility, its agents or employees, to do or perform any of the things herein required to be done or performed by said solid waste utility.

B. It is unlawful for any person, other than said solid waste utility or a contractor authorized by the city for such purpose, to be engaged in the business of curbside collection of recyclable or organic materials. No more than one contractor may be designated by the city to perform such services. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.170 Warrants for financing authorized when – Procedure.

The city shall, to finance equipment, purchases and administrative costs, issue interest-bearing warrants in denominations of $500.00 with a minimum interest rate of four percent and a maximum interest rate of six percent. The city’s current expense investment fund may purchase said warrants. The city shall from the garbage warrant redemption fund retire a minimum of one warrant each month hereafter until all warrants outstanding are redeemed. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.180 Accounts – Payable where – Billing of charges.

All collections of funds made hereunder for garbage collection services shall be paid through the city finance department. Billing and collection for residential recycling and organics curbside collection shall be processed by the city or by the business contracting with the city to provide residential collection services, if so provided in the contract for such services. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.190 Accounts – Collection by court proceedings authorized when.

Charges for collection services, including removal or disposal and delinquency charges and penalties, which are payable, due or unpaid shall constitute a debt to the city or contractor, as appropriate, and may be collected by court proceedings in the same manner as any other debt in like amount, which remedy shall be in addition to all other existing remedies. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.200 Service beyond corporate limits permitted when.

The solid waste utility may accept applications for garbage service beyond the corporate limits of the city upon such terms and conditions as the director and the applicant may agree upon, subject, however, to the approval of the city council. All such contracts or agreements shall be reduced to writing and properly executed before they shall become binding upon the parties. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).

8.12.205 Requests for review and appeals.

A. Any residential customer aggrieved by a decision to terminate, suspend or impose a service charge for collection services for recyclables or organics shall first attempt to resolve the matter by submitting a written request for reconsideration to the contractor’s customer service department within 14 days of notice of the charge, suspension, or termination. If the request for reconsideration is denied or remains unresolved after 30 days from the date the grievance is submitted to the contractor, the customer may submit a written request to the director asking for a review of the contractor’s action or decision. Any such request for review shall be submitted to the director within 14 days of the date the contractor denies the residential customer’s request for reconsideration or the expiration of 30 days from the date the request is submitted to the contractor.

B. Customers aggrieved by a decision to terminate, suspend, or impose a service charge for garbage collection shall first submit a written request for reconsideration to the director within 14 days of notice of the charge, suspension, or termination.

C. Requests for reconsideration and review shall identify the action that gives rise to the grievance and shall be supported by evidence a reasonable person would rely upon. If the director cannot resolve the dispute within 21 days of receipt of the request, the director will issue a written decision. Residential customers aggrieved by the director’s decision may appeal the director’s decision to the city’s hearing examiner only after the contractor and the director have denied the written requests for reconsideration and review. Appeals to the hearing examiner shall be submitted to the director, be accompanied by the current appeal fee, and contain the information required under MVMC 14.05.160(C)(3). A request for review or appeal does not stay any suspension or termination of collection services. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021).

8.12.210 Violation – Penalty.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as set forth in MVMC 1.20.010. (Ord. 3830 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3408 § 1, 2008).