Garbage, Refuse and Recycling By-Law

Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 8 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act, (SNL 2023 T-6.2), the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor has made the following Garbage, Refuse and Recycling By-Laws.  

1. This By-Law may be cited as the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Garbage, Refuse and Recycling By-Law.

2. Interpretations: In this By-Law unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) “Act” Towns and Local Service Districts Act (SNL 2023 T-6.2).
(b) “Bulk Items” means heavy or bulky items such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, furnaces, boilers, bed springs, furniture and similar items.
(c) “Construction Waste” means any used building materials, packaging or debris discarded during construction, demolition or after alterations or renovations.
(d) “Council” means the Town Council of the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador.
(f) “Fibre Recycling” means a securely tied compact parcel of cardboard not exceeding 1m(L) x 0.6m(W) x 0.4m(H) in dimension and 22kgs (50 pounds) in weight.
(e) “Garbage” means all kitchen and table waste of animal or vegetable origin resulting from the preparation of food, packaging associated with preparation of food, and other matter that is no longer wanted or needed.
(f) “Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Bins” means storage facilities for the purpose of storing garbage / recycling containers secured with lids during periods between collection.
(g) “Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Bag” means Clear or blue transparent polyethylene plastic bag of 1 1/2 mil (1.5 gauge) thickness fastened at the top and minimum size of 66 cm x 82.5 cm (26″ x 32.5″) and not weigh more than 22kgs (50 pounds).
(h) “Garden Waste” means the waste materials from garden consisting of grass clippings, leaves, dead branches, bushes, weeds, plants, stones and other small materials.
(i) “Home-Based Medical Waste” means waste that is generated by residential premises for the purpose of home medical care.
(j) “Medical Sharp” means a needle device or any non-needle sharp used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing an artery or vein, administering medications or other fluids, or any other device that can reasonably be expected to penetrate the skin or any other part of the body.
(k) “Nuisance” means anything or any conditions of things which is or may become injurious or dangerous or presents an obstruction to pedestrians or vehicular traffic or anything or any condition of things, that in the opinion of Council has an unpleasant effect on the senses or adversely affects the amenities of the surrounding property.
(l) “Pharmaceutical” means a compound manufactured for use as a medicinal drug to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease, and includes prescription drugs and over the counter drugs;
(m) “Recyclables” means all waste that can be processed through the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and as listed by Central Newfoundland Waste Management Authority as recyclable.
(n) “Refuse” means all other miscellaneous waste materials not specifically defined as garbage or recyclables.
(o) “Sanitary Inspector” means any person appointed as such by Council.
(p) “Sharp Objects” means any used or unused, edged, jagged, pointed item, device, or similar object, constructed of wood, metal, plastic, glass, or other compound, that could puncture or lacerate the skin.
(q) “Town” means the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor as defined by Order-in-Council, dated the first of January 1991.

3. Days and Times of Collection:
(1) Collection of garbage, refuse and recyclables shall be at least once every seven (7) days commencing at 8:30 A.M., except on some public or statutory holidays. On collection days that are the same as the public holidays listed below, garbage, refuse and recyclables collection shall be made on the next following working day, unless advertised on the Town website. Public and statutory holidays observed by the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor are as follows: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Memorial Day, Grand Falls-Windsor Day, Labour Day, Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day.
(2) Collection of bulk items shall be by special collection only at such times and upon such terms and conditions as the Sanitary Inspector may determine having due regard to the availability of manpower and equipment and to the requirements of regularly scheduled collections.
(3) All garbage, refuse and recyclables being placed for collection shall not be so placed earlier than 7:00 p.m. on the evening before the day designated for collection in the area.
(4) All materials refused for collection must be removed from the streets by the householder before 11:59 p.m. on the same day as the garbage, recyclables were placed for collection.
(5) All garbage and refuse placed for collection must be placed in a clear transparent bag. Two small non-transparent privacy bags for sensitive materials are permitted in each clear bag.
(6) All recyclables placed for collection must be in a blue transparent bag. All items placed for recycling must be empty, rinsed or wiped clean.
(7) Portable garbage, refuse and recycling bins are permitted provided garbage, refuse and recyclables are in proper bags.
(8) Permanent rigid garbage, refuse and recycling bins are not permitted in front of the residential building line.
(9) Material placed out for collection must be placed within 2M (6 feet) of the edge of asphalt.

4. Restrictions:
(1) No person or persons shall permit any animal owned by him or under his control to pick over, interfere, disturb, remove or scatter any materials placed out for collection.
(2) No Person is permitted to pick over, interfere, disturb, remove or scatter any materials placed out for collection.
(3) The resident is responsible for the protection of all garbage refuse, and recyclables from the time it is placed at the curb until it is picked up by Town Staff. All garbage, refuse and recyclables placed at the curb for pickup must be placed in suitable rigid garbage or recyclable bins and removed from the curb no later than 11:59p.m. of collection day. Garbage or recycling bins with closed secured lids are mandatory, and any garbage not placed in the garbage or recycling bins, or overflowing bins, will not be picked up.
(4) No household hazardous waste shall be deposited or placed in a polyethylene garbage or recyclable bag for collection.
(5) No person, firm or corporation shall deposit, throw, sweep or place any garbage, refuse or recyclables upon any street, lane, drive, public place or private property outside buildings within the Town unless the same is enclosed in a proper container in such a manner as to in no way constitute a nuisance or annoyance to others.
(6) No caustic substance such as bleach, etc., is to be used on garbage or recyclable bags.
(7) Garbage will be collected from approved multi-unit properties up to and including four (4) units. Restrictions for approval are as follows:
i. Property must be forward facing to a town owned street.
ii. Each unit’s driveway must meet a town owned street.
iii. Property must be in a residential zone.
iv. Properties that have more than one (1) unit must use bins that are clearly marked with the unit number and street address.
(8) Garbage and refuse will not be collected on private roads.

5. Storage and Disposal:
(1) Every owner or operator of a building containing five (5) or more apartment units, shall be responsible for removal of garbage, refuse and recyclables from their premises on a weekly basis to an approved Waste Disposal Facility.
(2) Every residential property owner or tenant, and every operator of a business establishment, shall at their own expense, make adequate arrangements for the storage of garbage, refuse and recyclables, in bins that are impervious to animals.
(3) Every owner or operator of a business shall be responsible for the removal of garbage, refuse and recyclables from their premises on a weekly basis to an approved waste disposal facility.
(4) No residential property owner or tenant shall permit garbage, refuse, or recyclables, which are to be placed at the curb for collection, to remain on the premises occupied by them, for a period of more than seven (7) days, unless a public or statutory holiday has occurred on the regular scheduled collection day. When such has occurred, the garbage, refuse, and recyclables shall be prepared for the next scheduled collection day.
(5) Construction waste, garbage, refuse or recyclables left by any builder or contractor, or property owner upon any street, lane, drive, public or private property outside of a building or buildings within the Town as a result of the construction, demolition, alteration or repair of such building or buildings, shall be removed from the site by the builder, contractor or property owner, as promptly as possible and disposed of in accordance with Central Waste Management Guidelines.
(6) No householder or owner of a residential property shall store garbage, refuse or recyclables in a bin other than as specified in this By-Law and the bin must be located at the rear of the residential building between collection periods.
(7) Burning, burying or disposal of construction waste from the result of any construction, demolition, alteration, or renovation is not permitted other than those approved in accordance with Central Waste Management guidelines.
(8) No residential property owner, tenant, business owner or operator, shall dispose of garbage, refuse, or recyclables, by burning, burying or other means, within the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, except in accordance with this By-Law, or Central Waste Management guidelines.

6. Suitable Bins:
Bins which are used for storage between collection events shall be maintained in a good state of repair and in a sanitary condition. Upon determination by the Town that the bin is unfit for use, the owner or occupant must discontinue use. The Town may elect to not collect garbage from the property until the unfit bin has been replaced.

7. Fibre Recycling:
All paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, cartons, or similar materials, shall;
i. be broken down and placed in a residential blue plastic recycling bag, either individually or with other recyclable materials and placed in a garbage bin;
ii. weigh not more than 22kgs (50 lbs.).

8. Sharp Objects and Medical Waste:
(1) Sharp Objects
Sharp objects such as broken glass, fluorescent light bulbs, nails, screws, razor blades, knives, metal scraps, or wood splinters, and similar objects, may be set out for collection only if the sharp objects are placed in a cardboard box or wrapped in cardboard, and marked as such. Sharp objects must be placed in a cardboard box, no larger than 2 feet in any direction, or other rigid container, taped securely, and must indicate “SHARP OBJECTS” clearly written on the box. The sharp object must not penetrate the box/container in any way that may be harmful to the garbage collector or the public.
(2) Medical Sharps and Similar Objects
Medical sharps, such as hypodermic needles, or other similar sharp objects, must be placed in a rigid puncture proof container prior to placing in the garbage. The rigid puncture proof containers (eg. detergent bottle), must be drained of any liquid, and the lid of the container must be taped securely. The rigid puncture proof container must be placed in the regular clear garbage bag.
(3) Home-Based Medical Waste
Other biomedical wastes (e.g., bandages, gauze and wipes to cleanse wounds, diapers, incontinence diapers and pads, disposable sheets, etc.), must be double bagged, in plastic bags, and securely closed, before placing in the regular clear garbage bag.
(4) Pharmaceuticals
All pharmaceuticals such as household medicines must not be disposed of in the garbage or flushed in the sanitary sewer. Flushing even small quantities of household medicines down the drain can disrupt or destroy the useful microorganisms in the sewage treatment system and/or contaminate downstream water resources. All pharmaceuticals should be brought to a local pharmacy for proper disposal. Any prescription containers should have all personal information, including your medical identification number and prescription number removed prior to disposing in the garbage.

9. Placement for Containers at the Street:
Garbage and recyclable containers shall be placed for collection in front of the premises at the curb or street line.

10. Materials not Collected
The Town shall not collect the following waste at curbside:
(1) Household hazardous waste
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is accepted at the Central Regional Waste Management site in Norris Arm during regular hours of operation.
(2) Highly combustible materials such as oil, gasoline, soaked rags, gas containers, ammunition, chemicals, acids or their residue derivative. Most of these items are considered household hazardous waste.
(3) Grass and leaves
Grass and leaves are accepted at the community compost facility adjacent to the Drop Off facility on Whitmore Street at any time.
(4) Garbage, refuse or recyclables which has been placed for collection in a manner contrary to this By-Law.
(5) Tree Branches and roots
Tree branches are accepted at the Drop Off facility on Whitmore Street at any time.
(6) Sheet metal, iron, scrap steel, etc.
Street metal, iron, scrap steel is accepted at the Drop Off Facility on Whitmore Street on scheduled Saturday Drop Off dates.
(7) Carcass of any animal or animal waste.
(8) Garbage, refuse, or recyclables left by any builder, contractor or owner on any street, lane public or private property.
(9) Ashes
Ashes can be dropped off at the Drop Off Facility on Whitmore Street at any time in the designated area. Please ensure ashes are sufficiently cold.
(10) Paint
Household paint products and containers, paint aerosols of all types, which includes automotive, craft, and industrial products are accepted at the Central Regional Waste Management facility in Norris Arm during regular hours of operation. Empty paint cans with covers removed are acceptable with regular garbage in the clear transparent bag.
(11) Used tires
Highway passenger, light truck and motorcycle tires, commercial truck tires used on heavy truck, busses and large recreation vehicles are accepted at the Regional Waste Management facility in Norris Arm during regular hours of operation.
(12) Electronic Waste
Electronic waste including, display devices (such as televisions and monitors), desktop printers, computers and peripherals (such as keyboards), home theater in a box system, non-cellular telephones as well as audio and video systems are accepted at the Regional Waste Management facility in Norris Arm during regular hours of operation.
(13) Concrete, bricks, rocks and gravel
Concrete, bricks, rocks and gravel can be dropped off at the Whitmore Street facility at any time.
(14) Construction Waste
Construction waste is accepted at the Drop Off Facility on Whitmore Street on scheduled Saturday Drop Off dates.

11. Vehicles Carrying Garbage, Refuse and Recyclables:
(1) No person, firm or corporation shall transport garbage, refuse or recyclables of any kind on any street within the Town, unless such garbage, refuse or recyclables are transported in an enclosed truck or container or is otherwise secured so that it shall not fall from the vehicle or other means of transportation on to the street.
(2) All vehicles and containers used for the transportation of garbage, refuse, recyclables or swill, shall be kept in a sanitary condition at all times.
(3) The Sanitary Inspector may inspect vehicles used for garbage, refuse and recyclables collection at all reasonable times to ensure compliance with this By-Law.

12. Enforcement:
(1) The Sanitary Inspector shall make periodic inspections of properties within the town for the purpose of enforcing this By-Law.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this By-Law, the Sanitary Inspector may at any time, order the owner to clean up and remove any accumulation of garbage, refuse or recyclables outside any building or buildings or on any other private property within the Town; and
(3) If the owner neglects or refuses when ordered by the Sanitary Inspector to clean up and remove any accumulation of garbage, refuse or recyclables from his premises, the Sanitary Inspector may cause the clean up and removal of such accumulation at the expense of the owner.

13. Offence:
(1) A person who contravenes a provision of these By-Laws or who neglects or refuses to comply with a provision of these By-Laws commits an offence contrary to section 289(1)(f) of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.
(2) Each day upon which the same offence is committed or continued is a separate offence in accordance with section 289(3) of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.
(3) Every person who commits an offence under these By-Laws may:
(a) be subject to an Order pursuant to section 285(1) of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act;
(b) be issued a Violation Notice pursuant to section 287 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act; or
(c) where the Town Council has not issued a violation notice, or where a violation notice has been issued but not complied with, be charged by way of summons, including a summons issued by means of a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act, pursuant to section 288 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.

14. Violation Notice:
(1) Where a person contravenes a provision of these By-Laws, the Town Council may issue a Violation Notice in accordance with section 287 of the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.
(2) Where the Council issues a Violation Notice to a person in respect of a contravention of these By-Laws, that person may make a voluntary out of court payment to the Council.
(3) Where the person makes a voluntary payment to the Council under 14(2) the amount of the voluntary payment shall be:
i. $50.00 if the person makes a voluntary payment to the Council no later than seven (7) days from the date of issuance of a Violation Notice; or
ii. $75.00 if the person makes the voluntary payment after the expiration of the time period in subsection (i), but not later than (14) days from the date of issuance of the Violation Notice.
(4) Where the person makes a voluntary payment to the Council under 14(2), no further action will be taken by the Council in respect to the contravention.
(5) Where the Council issues a Violation Notice to a person, and that person fails to make a voluntary payment pursuant to section 14(2), the Council shall issue a summons with respect to the contravention noted in the Violation Notice.
(6) The Council may charge the person referred to in 14(5) by way of summons, including a summons that is issued by means of a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act, pursuant to section 288 of the Towns and Local Service District Act.
(7) Where a person has received a Violation Notice is convicted of an offence with respect to the same subject matter for which the Violation Notice was issued, the penalty for that offence shall be $100.

15. Penalty:
Pursuant to Section 290 of the Act, any person who violates any provision of these By-Laws shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on summary conviction;
a) for a first offence to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than one month or to both the fine and imprisonment;
b) for a subsequent offence to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than 3 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.

Darren Finn, CAO

Approved by Council on November 18, 2025.