[Adopted 9-15-2016 by Ord. No. 16-58; amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-33]
[Amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-33]
The purpose of this article is to require dumpsters and other refuse containers that are outdoors or exposed to stormwater to be covered at all times and to prohibit the spilling, dumping, leaking, or otherwise discharging of liquids, semi-liquids or solids from the containers to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the City of Trenton and the waters of the State of New Jersey so as to protect the environment, public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.
[Amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-33]
For the purpose of this article, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this article clearly demonstrates a different meaning. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated by the City of Trenton or other public body and is designed and used for collecting and conveying stormwater. MS4s do not include combined sewer systems, which are sewer systems that are designed to carry sanitary sewage at all times and to collect and transport stormwater from streets and other sources.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of the State of New Jersey subject to municipal jurisdiction.
REFUSE
Matter thrown away or rejected as waste, trash.
REFUSE CONTAINER
Any waste container that a person controls, whether owned, leased, or operated, including dumpsters, trash cans, garbage pails, and plastic trash bags.
STORMWATER
Water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewerage or drainage facilities, or is conveyed by snow removal equipment.
WATERS OF THE STATE
The ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams and bodies of surface water or groundwater, whether natural or artificial, within the boundaries of the State of New Jersey or subject to its jurisdiction.
[Amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A. 
Any person who controls, whether owned, leased, or operated, a refuse container or dumpster must ensure that such container or dumpster is covered at all times and shall prevent refuse from spilling out or overflowing.
B. 
Any person who owns, leases or otherwise uses a refuse container or dumpster must ensure that such container or dumpster does not leak or otherwise discharge liquids, semi-liquids or solids to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the City of Trenton.
[Amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-33]
Exceptions to prohibitions are:
A. 
Permitted temporary demolition containers.
B. 
Litter receptacles (other than dumpsters or other bulk containers).
C. 
Individual homeowner trash and recycling containers.
D. 
Refuse containers at facilities authorized to discharge stormwater from dumpsters at a site that is authorized under a valid NJPDES permit.
E. 
Large bulky items (e.g., furniture, bound carpet and padding, or household appliances) placed curbside for pickup.
A. 
This article shall be enforced by the City of Trenton Police Department.
B. 
Any person found to be in violation shall be ordered to cease the prohibited activity immediately.