[Adopted 4-3-1989 by Ord. No. 985, approved 4-3-1989; amended in its entirety 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 1243, approved 11-18-2008]
The short title of this article shall be the "Middletown Borough Recycling Ordinance," and the same may be cited in that manner.
Any capitalized term, if not defined in this article, shall have the meaning as from time to time set forth in the Borough of Middletown Rules and Regulations Related to Waste Collection and Recycling ("Rules and Regulations") which are incorporated into this article by reference. In addition, as used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
ACT 97
The Solid Waste Management Act, Act of July 7, 1980, P.S. 380, No. 97, as now or hereafter amended.[1]
ACT 101
The Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act of July 28, 1988, P.L. 528, No. 101, as now or hereafter amended.[2]
ALUMINUM
All food and beverage cans made of the light-in-weight, ductile and malleable metallic substance or element commonly known as "aluminum." This description excludes aluminum foil, trays, plates, and miscellaneous aluminum products.
BOROUGH
The governmental jurisdiction and legal entity of the Borough of Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
CLEAR GLASS
Clear glass consists only of clear food and beverage containers made of glass, of one gallon or less capacity, and comprised of the hard, brittle and transparent or partially transparent substance produced by fusion of silica and silicates or sand containing soda and lime and/or other chemicals and substances usually included in the manufacture of glass.
COLORED GLASS
Colored glass consists only of green or brown food and beverage containers made of glass, of one gallon or less capacity, and comprised of the hard, brittle and transparent or partially transparent substance produced by fusion of silica and silicates or sand containing soda and lime and/or other chemicals and substances usually included in the manufacture of glass.
COMMENCEMENT DATE
The date upon which the current and subsequent municipal contract collection services begin.
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any establishment engaged in a nonmanufacturing or nonprocessing business, including, but not limited to, stores, markets, office buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, and theaters.
COMMERCIAL MUNICIPAL WASTE
Municipal solid waste, as herein defined, that is generated at a commercial establishment.
COMMINGLED
Designated recyclable materials:
A. 
Which have been segregated from regulated municipal waste, but which have not been separated into different types of recyclable materials; and
B. 
Which have been placed in a recycling container for the purpose of collection.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Events that are sponsored by public or private agencies or individuals, including, but not limited to, fairs, bazaars, socials, picnics and organized sporting events attended by 200 or more individuals per day.
COMPOSTING
The process by which solid organic waste is biologically decomposed under controlled aerobic or anaerobic conditions to yield a humus-like product.
CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION DEBRIS
A portion of municipal waste resulting from the construction or demolition of buildings and other structures, including bricks, cement, bituminous material, steel, aluminum, siding, shingles, timber, paneling, beams, trim, molding, shelves, doors, windows, frames, jams, railing, risers, boards or lumber.
CONTRACTOR
The person providing municipal contract waste and designated recyclable materials collection services under the municipal contract.
CORRUGATED CARDBOARD
Unbleached, unwaxed kraft paper that is formed into layers with a fluted medium and manufactured into shipping boxes and related products.
CURBSIDE
The correct location for the placement of refuse containers and recycling containers for the purpose of collection by the contractor, which shall be adjacent to the residential unit, and no more than five feet from the public street used by collection vehicles.
DESIGNATED RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Those source separated recyclable materials designated in § 164-27 of this article.
DWELLING UNIT or RESIDENTIAL UNIT
Any building or portion thereof designated or used as living quarters for one or more families, and mobile homes, travel trailers or modular homes as defined in the Zoning Code of the Borough of Middletown.[3]
EXISTING CONTRACT
Any municipal contract for the storage, collection, transportation, processing or disposal of regulated municipal waste or designated recyclable materials generated or located within the municipality which was legally entered into prior to the effective date of this article; and, when entered into, was legally enforceable.
EXTRA BAG TAG
A label which must be affixed to any bag in excess of the permitted number of bags per week per household, tires, white goods, oversized refuse items and yard waste in order for such items to be collected by the contractor. The permitted number of bags per week per household shall be established by contract between the municipality and the contractor.
EXTRA REFUSE CONTAINERS
Refuse containers which are in excess of the number of refuse containers per collection site limit in the municipal contract.
FACILITY
Any specific site designated by Dauphin County (or approved by Dauphin County) as the specific place or site to which source separated recyclable materials must or may be delivered; or in the absence of a specific site being designated by Dauphin County, any approved site for the delivery of any category of source separated recyclable materials.
GENERATOR
A person who produces or creates any solid waste.
HIGH-GRADE OFFICE PAPER
Desktop-generated paper limited to white ledger, copy paper, and computer printout (CPO).
INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any establishment engaging in manufacturing or processing, including, but not limited to, factories, foundries, mills, processing plants, and refineries.
INSTITUTIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any establishment engaged in the service to persons, including, but not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, schools, and universities.
INSTITUTIONAL MUNICIPAL WASTE
Municipal solid waste, as herein defined, that is generated at an institutional establishment.
LEAF WASTE
Leaves, garden residues, shrubbery and tree trimmings, and similar materials, but not including grass clippings.
MULTIFAMILY UNIT
Rental housing apartment buildings or apartment complexes which have three or more dwelling units, and condominium associations and homeowners' associations of three or more dwelling units which are established and organized in such a manner that the association provides common services for the residents of the housing development. This definition shall also include apartment buildings and apartment complexes owned and operated by institutional establishments if the institutional establishment charges a rental fee for the dwelling units.
MUNICIPAL CONTRACT
The agreement between the municipality and a permitted collector under which collection services are to be provided to residential units for designated recyclable materials.
MUNICIPALITY
The Borough of Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
MUNICIPALITY'S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The rules and regulations adopted and revised from time to time by the municipality which govern and pertain to the municipality's recycling program.
NEWSPRINT
Paper which has been used for the production of daily, weekend and special edition publications commonly known as "newspapers."
NONRESIDENTIAL UNITS
All commercial, municipal and institutional establishments and all community activities, excluding residential units and multifamily units.
OPEN BURNING
A fire, the air contaminants from which are emitted directly into the outdoor atmosphere and not directed thereto through a flue.
PERMITTED COLLECTOR
A person who is in possession of all pertinent permits and licenses which may be required by the municipality and Dauphin County for the collection, storage or disposal of solid waste or recyclable materials.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, institution, cooperative enterprise, municipality, municipal authority, governmental entity or agency, or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PLASTICS
Recyclable plastics are identified on the bottom of the container and consist of two types of containers, namely: #1 PETE (such as soda bottles) and #2 HDPE (such as milk, spring water, and detergent bottles).
QUARTERLY REPORT
A form supplied by the Borough to be completed and signed by the contractor which specifies, inter alia, the source, type, quantity and delivery point for the solid waste or source separated recyclable materials and other pertinent information as requested.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Any material which would be regulated municipal waste but for source separation and which will be processed into raw materials or products which are beneficially reused.
RECYCLING
The separation, collection, recovery and sale or reuse of metals, glass, paper, yard waste, plastics and other materials which would otherwise be disposed of or processed as solid waste or the mechanized separation and treatment of solid waste and creation and recovery of reusable materials.
RECYCLING CONTAINER
For residential units, the term "recycling container" shall refer to the container supplied by the municipality. For multifamily units and nonresidential units, the term "recycling container" shall refer to a receptacle which is constructed of plastic, metal or fiberglass and has handles of adequate strength for lifting.
REFUSE CONTAINER
A receptacle which is constructed of plastic, metal, or fiberglass, having handles of adequate strength for lifting and having a tight-fitting lid capable of preventing entrance into the container by vectors; or a polyethylene bag which is specifically designed for storage and collection, is protected against animal damage and overloading so as to prevent littering or attraction of insects or rodents, and has a holding strength capable of withstanding normal stresses until it is collected. With respect to residential units, the weight of a refuse container and its contents shall not exceed 30 pounds nor shall its capacity exceed 32 gallons.
REGULATED MUNICIPAL WASTE
Any solid waste generated or collected within the municipality which is garbage, refuse, industrial lunchroom or office waste and other material, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material, resulting from operation of residential, municipal, commercial or institutional establishments and from community activities, and any sludge meeting the definition of "residual waste" or "hazardous waste" from a municipal, commercial or institutional water supply treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant or air pollution control facility. The term does not include designated recyclable materials or unacceptable waste.
RESIDENT(S)
Any person(s) owning and/or occupying a dwelling unit in the Borough of Middletown.
RESIDENTIAL MUNICIPAL WASTE
The municipal solid waste, as defined herein, generated at a dwelling unit, as also herein defined.
RESIDENTIAL UNIT
See "dwelling unit."
SCAVENGING
The removal of designated recyclable materials in violation of § 164-31 of this article.
SINGLE STREAM
A system where recyclable materials; commonly fibers and glass, metal and plastic containers, are collected and processed together.
SOURCE SEPARATE or SOURCE SEPARATION
The process of separating, or the separation of, designated recyclable materials from other solid waste at the location where generated for the purpose of recycling.
STEEL CANS
The ferrous metal food or beverage containers commonly known as "tin cans."
TIRE
Any pneumatic rubber automobile, truck, or farm implement tire.
WOODY WASTE
Leaves, twigs, branches, brush, bushes, shrubbery, undergrowth, vines, kindling, driftwood, wood chips or any organic material other than grass clippings. Processed wood products, including construction debris, are not included.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 4000.101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 260, Zoning.
All persons within the municipality shall source separate designated recyclable materials generated by such person or generated within a residential unit, multifamily unit or nonresidential unit occupied by such person.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 1383, approved 12-7-2021]
A. 
Each person who owns or occupies a residential unit, multifamily unit or nonresidential unit within the municipality shall ensure that designated recyclable material generated at such residential unit, multifamily unit or nonresidential unit are collected and disposed of in accordance with this article, the municipality's policies and procedures, and DCMWM Plan requirements.
B. 
Designated recyclable materials generated at such residential unit, multifamily unit or nonresidential unit are required to be collected and disposed of at a frequency of not less than once per month.
Collection services for designated recyclable materials shall be provided to residential units by the contractor. Each person who owns or occupies a residential unit shall prepare designated recyclable materials for collection in accordance with the municipality's policies and procedures.
A. 
Each person who owns or occupies a nonresidential unit or multifamily unit shall provide proper collection and disposal of designated recyclable materials by utilizing a permitted collector to collect and deliver such materials to a facility. With respect to designated recyclable materials, a person who owns or occupies a multifamily unit or nonresidential unit may request municipality approval to receive the services under the municipal contract.
B. 
Each person who owns or occupies a multifamily unit or nonresidential unit approved to receive services under the municipal contract shall comply with the municipality's policies and procedures established for residential units and notwithstanding the provisions of § 164-27B and C of this article, shall source separate the recyclable materials designated in § 164-27A.
C. 
Each person who owns a multifamily unit or nonresidential unit that does not receive services under the municipal contract shall:
(1) 
Provide recycling containers at easily accessible locations for source separation of designated recyclable materials;
(2) 
Provide written instructions to all persons occupying each multifamily unit and nonresidential unit to ensure that all designated recyclable materials are source separated; and
(3) 
Provide collection and delivery of source separated designated recyclable materials at a frequency of not less than once per month.
A. 
Each person who owns or occupies a residential unit shall source separate the following recyclable materials:
(1) 
Clear glass;
(2) 
Colored glass;
(3) 
Aluminum;
(4) 
Steel cans;
(5) 
Plastic; and
(6) 
Newsprint.
B. 
Each person who owns or occupies a multifamily unit shall source separate the following recyclable materials:
(1) 
Clear glass;
(2) 
Colored glass;
(3) 
Aluminum;
(4) 
Steel cans;
(5) 
Plastic; and
(6) 
Newsprint.
C. 
Each person who owns or occupies a nonresidential unit shall source separate the following recyclable materials:
(1) 
Clear glass;
(2) 
Colored glass;
(3) 
Aluminum;
(4) 
Steel cans;
(5) 
Plastic;
(6) 
Newsprint;
(7) 
High-grade office paper; and
(8) 
Corrugated cardboard.
D. 
Woody waste and leaf waste are designated recyclable materials and shall be disposed of in accordance with rules and regulations for the disposal of woody waste and leaf waste as established by the municipality. Woody waste and leaf waste may not be mixed with other types of commercial municipal waste or other designated recyclable materials.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 1383, approved 12-7-2021]
A. 
With respect to designated recyclable materials, no person other than the contractor shall collect, transport, store, process or dispose of such designated recyclable materials. Each permitted collector that collects or transports designated recyclable materials generated in any residential unit, nonresidential unit or multifamily unit shall complete quarterly reports reporting the amount of designated recyclable material collected in the municipality.
B. 
No person who generates, owns or possesses designated recyclable materials shall, by contract for collection services or otherwise cause, permit or assist in the collection, storage, processing or disposal of such designated recyclable materials by any person other than:
(1) 
The contractor with respect to designated recyclable materials generated at residential units; and
(2) 
A permitted collector with respect to designated recyclable materials generated at multifamily units or nonresidential units.
C. 
No permitted collector who collects or disposes of designated recyclable materials by municipal contract for such services or otherwise shall cause, permit or assist in the storage, collection, processing or disposal of designated recyclable materials in a manner which treats such materials as regulated municipal waste, or which is otherwise inconsistent with source separation or recycling. Any delivery of designated recyclable materials to a Dauphin County-approved facility in accordance with the DCMWM Plan shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Subsection C.
D. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A and B above, any person who occupies a residential unit may deliver to a facility the designated recyclable materials which were generated at such person's residence.
E. 
All designated recyclable materials generated or collected in the municipality shall be delivered directly to a facility in accordance with the requirements of the DCMWM Plan and without any intervening transfer, unloading, processing, sorting, salvaging, scavenging, or reuse of any portion of any load of such designated recyclable materials from the time of its collection until the time of its delivery to the facility.
A. 
No person shall store, process or dispose of any designated recyclable materials except at a facility.
B. 
No person shall process or dispose of any designated recyclable materials through open burning.
C. 
No person shall illegally dump or dispose of as garbage, refuse or regulated municipal waste, as defined in Article I (Storage and Collection), any designated recyclable materials.
[Amended 12-7-2021 by Ord. No. 1383, approved 12-7-2021]
From the time of placement for collection of any designated recyclable materials, all such designated recyclable materials shall be the property of the generator or the permitted collector who has contracted to provide on-site collection, as provided in the municipal contract. It shall be a violation of this article for any person, other than such permitted collector, to collect or pick up, or cause to be collected or picked up, any such designated recyclable materials.
A. 
Nothing in this article shall be construed to impair the obligations of any existing contract.
B. 
No renewal or modification of any existing contract, and no new contract for the storage, on-site collection, processing or disposal of designated recyclable materials, shall be entered into after the effective date of this article unless such renewal or modification or new contract shall conform to the requirements of this article and the municipality's policies and procedures.
C. 
No contract which is entered into, renewed, extended, modified or assigned after the effective date of this section shall provide for on-site collection services to be performed after the commencement date for designated recyclable materials generated at residential units. This provision shall not apply to the contract between the municipality and the contractor. With respect to any contract which violates this Subsection C, such contract shall be deemed void and the hauler that is a party to such contract shall reimburse to the applicable residential units any funds which have been paid for such on-site collection services, and shall not collect or attempt to collect any funds for such on-site collection services.
The municipality shall have the power to issue the municipality's policies and procedures governing all matters set forth in this article and any other related matters. The municipality's policies and procedures shall be effective when issued in writing and signed by the manager of the municipality. The municipality shall have the power to establish record and reporting requirements, and standards and procedures for the issuance, administration and revocation of licenses, as deemed necessary, including, without limitation, application procedures, fees, standards and conditions for licenses; the fixing of a monetary bond, with or without surety, to secure the compliance by any permitted collector with any such requirements, standards or procedures; and any other matters deemed necessary or convenient by the municipality. In the event of suspension or revocation of any license which is issued by the municipality or Dauphin County, the person whose collection permit is suspended or revoked shall refund to each customer any prepaid fees.
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate, or cause or permit or assist in the violation of, any provision of this article or any provision of the municipality's policies and procedures. All unlawful conduct shall also constitute a public nuisance.
Any action by any person, firm, corporation or other entity which violates this article or any regulations thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $25 upon a first conviction, not to exceed $50 upon a second conviction and not to exceed $100 upon a third or subsequent conviction. The above fines shall not be applicable to a conviction for § 164-31 hereof or for the unlawful taking of containers designated for recycling usage or taking the contents of the same, which latter actions shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $300 per property. No enforcement of this article shall be made until three months from the effective date of this article.
For purposes of the obligations established by this article or the municipality's policies and procedures, and for purposes of any fine, penalty, imprisonment or other sanction, the terms "person," "residential unit," "multifamily unit," and "nonresidential unit" shall:
A. 
Include officers and directors of any corporation or other legal entity having officers and directors; and
B. 
Refer to and impose joint and several liability upon both:
(1) 
The persons residing in or occupying any such residential, multifamily or nonresidential units; and
(2) 
The owner, landlord, condominium owners' association and/or agent of an owner, landlord or condominium owners' association of such premises.
In addition to any other remedy provided in this article, the municipality may institute proceedings to restrain any violation of, or to require compliance with, this article and/or the municipality's policies and procedures.
The penalties and remedies set forth in this article are in addition to, not in lieu of, any fines, penalties or remedies provided in the municipality's policies and procedures. The existence or exercise of any remedy shall not prevent the municipality from exercising any other remedy provided under this article or the municipality's policies and procedures, or available at law or equity.
Article IV, former §§ 164-21 through 164-32, are repealed in their entirety. Any other ordinances which pertain to designated recyclable materials are hereby repealed to the extent of any inconsistency with this article.
The provisions of this article are severable, and if any section, sentence, clause, part or provision hereof shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision of the court shall not affect or impair the remaining sections, sentences, clauses, parts or provisions of this article. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the municipality that this article would have been enacted if such illegal, invalid or unconstitutional section, sentence, clause, part or provision had not been included herein.
This article shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its enactment by the Council of the Borough of Middletown as provided by law.
[Added 1-6-2009 by Ord. No. 1250, approved 1-6-2009]
A. 
The Borough of Middletown hereby authorizes the execution of the "Intermunicipal Agreement Regarding Use of Woody Waste Facility between the Borough, the Township of Lower Swatara and the Boroughs of Highspire and Royalton" in such form as presented to Council and as attached hereto.
B. 
The agreement shall become effective upon its authorization by each of the participating municipalities by passage of an ordinance.