Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Regulations
Pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 414 of the Municipalities Act, Chapter M 24, SN 1999 and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor has made the following Garbage and Refuse Regulations.
Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Regulations
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Garbage, Refuse and Recycling Regulations.
2. Interpretations: In these Regulations unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Act” means the Municipal Act, 1999.
(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.
(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
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas 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 10:00 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) Garbage, refuse and recyclables shall not be put out for collection any earlier that 10:00p.m. the evening before the designated day for collection in that area.
(2) 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.
(3) No Person is permitted to pick over, interfere, disturb, remove or scatter any materials placed out for collection.
(4) 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 will be placed in suitable rigid garbage or recyclable bins and removed from the curb no later than 11:59p.m. of collection day. Garbage bins with secured lids are mandatory, and any garbage not placed in garbage bins will not be picked up.
(5) No household hazardous waste shall be deposited or placed in a polyethylene garbage or recyclable bag for collection.
(6) 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.
(7) No caustic substance such as bleach, etc., is to be used on garbage or recyclable bags.
(8) Garbage will be collected from approved multi-unit properties up to and including four (4) units. Restrictions for approval are as follows:
– Property must be forward facing to a town owned street.
– Each unit’s driveway must meet a town owned street.
– Property must be in a residential zone.
– Properties that have more than one (1) unit must use bins that are clearly marked with the unit number and street address.
(9) 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 these
Regulations 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 these Regulations, 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.
7. Fibre Recycling
All paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard or cartons, shall;
– be flattened out and securely tied with strong twine or rope in convenient bundles, not exceeding 1m(L) x 0.6m(W) x 0.4m(H) in dimension.
– 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. Place for Containers
Garbage, refuse and recyclable containers and proper bundles 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 these regulations.
(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 these regulations.
12. (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, 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
(b) 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. The Sanitary Inspector shall make periodic inspections of properties within the town for the purpose of enforcing these regulations.
14. Violation Notice
a) Where a person contravenes a provision of these regulations, the Council may issue a Violation Notice in accordance with section 3 of the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Violation Notice Regulations, NLR 12/15.
b) Where the Council issues a Violation Notice to a person in respect of a contravention of these Regulations, that person may make a voluntary out of court payment to the Council in respect of the contravention.
c) Where the person makes a voluntary payment to the Council under section 14(b) the amount of the voluntary payment shall be:
i. $50.00 if the person makes the voluntary payment to the Council no later than seven (7) days from the date of issuance of the 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
fourteen (14) days from the date of issuance of the Violation Notice.
d) Where the person makes a voluntary payment to the Council under section 14(b), no further action will be taken by the Council in respect of the contravention.
e) Where the Council issues a Violation Notice to a person, and that person fails to make a voluntary payment pursuant to subsection 14(b), the Council shall issue a Summons with respect to the contravention noted in the Violation Notice.
f) The Council may charge the person referred to in s. 14(e) by way of a summons, including a summons that is issued by means of a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act, pursuant to section 421.2(1) of the Municipalities Act, 1999, SNL 1999, c. M-24;
g) Where a person has received a Violation Notice and is convicted of an offence with respect to the same subject matter for with the Violation Notice was issued, the penalty for that offence shall be $100.
15. Offence and Penalties
a) Pursuant to section 419(2) of the Municipalities Act, each day upon which the same offence is committed or continued is a separate offence.
b) Every person who commits an offence under these Regulations or who acts in the contravention of or fails to comply with any provision thereof, or neglects or refuses to do so:
i. May be liable to penalties as stipulated in accordance with section 420 of the Municipalities Act; or
ii. May be subject to an order under section 404(1) of the Municipalities Act; or
iii. May, where the Council has not issued a Violation Notice, charge that person by way of summons, including a summons that is issued by means of a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act, pursuant to section 421.2(2) of the Municipalities
Act, 1999, SNL 1999, c. M-24 and section 2(b.6) of the
Provincial Offences Regulations.
16. These Regulations shall come into effect on the 3rd day of January, 2022 A.D., and may be cited as the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor (Garbage and Refuse) Regulations, 2022.
Darren Finn
CAO
Amendments Approved by Council at meeting #538 on February 16th, 2021.