Township of East Amwell, NJ Chapter 97 Littering

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell 10-26-1989 by Ord. No. 89-16. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Brush, grass and weeds — See Ch. 58.

Junkyards — See Ch. 89.

Litter in parks — See Ch. 97.

Solid waste — See Ch. 120.

Nuisances — See Ch. 163.

§ 97-1 Littering prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, drop, discard, or otherwise place litter of any nature outdoors upon any public or private property, other than in a litter receptacle, or at a spot where the litter is to be picked up for recycling, or for disposal as permitted by the Hunterdon County Solid Waste Management Plan.

§ 97-2 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

LITTER

Any used or unconsumed substance or waste material which has been discarded, whether made of aluminum, glass, plastic, rubber, paper, or other natural or synthetic material, or any combination thereof, including but not limited to any bottle, jar or can, or any top, cap, or detachable tab of any bottle, jar or can; any unlighted cigarette, cigar, match or any flaming or glowing material; or any garbage, trash, refuse, debris, rubbish, newspaper, magazines, glass, metal, plastic, or paper containers or other packaging or construction material, but does not include the waste of primary processes of mining or other extraction processes, logging, sawmilling, farming or manufacturing, or the spreading of fertilizer, manure or compost on lawns, gardens, farm fields, or other planted or cultivated areas.

LITTER RECEPTACLE

A container suitable for the depositing of litter.

§ 97-3 Use of litter receptacles.

A. Litter receptacles and their servicing are required at the following public places which exist in the township:

(1) Buildings held out for use by the public, including schools and government buildings.

(2) Parks.

(3) Drive-in restaurants.

(4) All street vendor locations.

(5) Self-service refreshment areas.

(6) Construction sites.

(7) Gasoline service stations.

(8) Shopping centers.

(9) Public parking lots.

(10) Campgrounds and trailer parks.

(11) At special events to which the public is invited, including sporting events, parades, carnivals, circuses, and festivals.

B. The proprietors of these places or the sponsors of these events shall be responsible for providing, removing and servicing the receptacles such that adequate containerization is available.

§ 97-4 Illegal dumping.

It shall be unlawful for any person to discard or dump on public or private property or along any public street or road any household or commercial solid waste, rubbish, refuse, junk,[1] vehicle or vehicle parts, rubber tires, appliances, furniture, in any place not specifically designated for the purpose of solid waste storage or disposal.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 89, Junkyards.

§ 97-5 Storage of household solid waste.

It shall be unlawful for any residential property owner to store or permit storage of any bulky household waste, including household appliances, furniture and mattresses, on residential property, except in a fully enclosed structure or during days designated for the collection of bulky items.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 120, Solid Waste.

§ 97-6 Storage of tires.

It shall be unlawful for any residential property owner to store or permit the storage of tires on residential property, except in a fully enclosed structure or during days designated for the collection of tires.

§ 97-7 Uncovered vehicles.

It shall be unlawful for any vehicle to be driven, moved, stopped or parked on any highway unless such a vehicle is constructed or loaded to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom. Any person operating a vehicle from which any glass or objects have fallen or escaped, which could cause an obstruction, damage a vehicle, or otherwise endanger travelers or public property, shall immediately cause the public property to be cleaned of all glass or objects and shall pay the costs therefor.

§ 97-8 Construction sites.

It shall be unlawful for any owner, agent, or contractor in charge of a construction or demolition site to permit the accumulation of litter before, during, or after completion of any construction or demolition project. It shall be the duty of the owner, agent, or contractor in charge of a construction site to furnish containers adequate to accommodate flyable or nonflyable debris or trash at areas convenient to construction areas, and to maintain and empty the receptacles in such a manner and with such a frequency as to prevent spillage of refuse.

§ 97-9 Overflowing outdoor waste disposal bins.

It shall be unlawful for any residential or commercial property owner to permit any overflowing outdoor waste disposal bin on his or her property.

§ 97-10 Sidewalks, yards, gutters and catch basins.

It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or person in charge of any structure to keep and cause to be kept sidewalks, backyards, courts and alleys free from litter. No person shall sweep into or deposit in any gutter, street, catch basin or other public place any accumulation of litter from any public or private sidewalk or driveway. Every person who owns or occupies property shall keep the sidewalk in front of his or her premises free of litter.

§ 97-11 Violations and penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to one or more of the following: a fine not to exceed $1,000, a term of imprisonment of not to exceed 90 days, or a period of community service not to exceed 90 days. Each day that such violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense.