It is hereby declared to be the purpose of chapters 26.70 and 26.80 to regulate the storage, collection, processing, recovery and disposal of solid waste in order to protect the public safety, health and welfare, and to enhance the environment of the people of the municipality.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019)
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in chapters 26.70 and 26.80, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
"Additional, occasional, and/or unscheduled pickup"
means refuse service provided to a customer at a time other than the normal scheduled pickup.
"Commercial dumpster service"
means refuse and/or recycle service provided with dumpsters for properties zoned R-2M, R-3, R-4, and R-4A as defined in section 21.04.020; and properties zoned B-1A, B-1B, B-3, and RO as defined in section 21.04.030.
"Commercial roll-cart service"
means refuse and/or recycle service provided with roll carts to smaller businesses in areas zoned B-1A as defined in section 21.04.030. SWS shall evaluate these properties on a case by case basis.
"Contamination" or "contaminants"
means any material (in terms of recycling service) not defined as a recyclable by the General Manager.
"General manager"
means the general manager of the department of solid waste services or designee.
"Hazardous or toxic waste"
means waste that requires special handling to avoid illness or injury to persons or damage to property and meets the definitions of 40 C.F.R. § 261 and 18 AAC 50.
"Putrescible solid waste"
means organic solid waste matter capable of being decomposed by microorganisms.
"Recyclables"
means materials accepted in any and all SWS recycling services as defined by the General Manager. A list of the currently accepted recyclables may be found on the SWS website as well as in informational material provided during establishment of service.
"Residential service"
means refuse and recycle service provided with roll carts for properties zoned R-1, R-1A, R-2A, and R-2D as defined in section 21.04.020.
"Secured load"
means a load of solid waste which has been tied or covered in the vehicle in a manner that will prevent any part of the solid waste from leaving the vehicle while the vehicle is moving and so that the load shall not be in violation of section 15.20.020B.6.
"Solid waste"
means useless, unwanted or discarded material with insufficient liquid content to be free-flowing.
"Solid waste collection"
means the act of removing solid waste from the central storage point of a primary generating source to a place of solid waste disposal.
"Solid waste disposal"
means the orderly process of finally disposing of solid waste.
"Solid waste storage"
means the interim containment of solid waste, in an approved manner, after generation and prior to collection and disposal.
"Vacated"
means not occupied or lived in.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019)
Every person residing in or occupying a building within the service area which comprises the area of the former City of Anchorage (as described in section 27.30.010) shall use the solid waste collection services and disposal locations provided by the municipality. The general manager may exempt a person from this requirement if the general manager determines that the person requires solid waste collection and disposal service which cannot be provided by solid waste services.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019)
It shall be the responsibility of the customer to apply for solid waste collection service by contacting the solid waste customer service office. All service shall remain in effect until the customer requests SWS to discontinue the service. Service will terminate when the property is vacated and service equipment is retrieved by SWS. It shall be the responsibility of the customer to notify SWS of any changes that may affect the monthly or quarterly charges.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019)
A. 
Solid waste may only be kept on property in containers approved by the general manager. Containers shall be equipped with tightly fitting covers and suitable handles, may be no larger than 32 gallons in capacity and may not exceed 20 pounds in weight when empty or 70 pounds when full. They must be loaded so that they can be conveniently handled without spilling the contents. Bags must be leak proof and durable in quality, and, when offered for collection, must be securely fastened at the top, not contain any rips, tears or holes, and not weigh over 35 pounds. The weight of any one bundle or bag may not exceed 35 pounds. The bundles may not be of a size greater than one-half cubic yard and may not exceed four feet in any dimension. Bulky items, such as tree trimmings that will not fit inside a container must be bundled and securely tied or boxed. All containers shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition by the owner or customer. Containers without handles or lids or with sharp edges or holes shall be considered solid waste and, after written notice to the customer has been left on the container on the previous collection date, may, without liability, be collected and discarded by SWS.
B. 
Solid waste may not be stored longer than the period between scheduled collections.
C. 
All putrescible solid waste shall be drained of surplus liquids and shall be securely wrapped in paper or placed in watertight bags before being placed in the container.
D. 
Where solid waste is collected from alleys, solid waste containers shall be kept in racks unless the customer places containers in the alley only on the day of collection and, on the same day of collection, removes them. Racks shall be furnished and maintained by the customer and shall be of a type and specification prescribed by the general manager. Racks shall be so placed as not to be visible from the street, where practicable.
E. 
In those areas without alleys, solid waste may not, except on the scheduled collection day, be stored on or in view of any public street. The customer shall place the containers at the street for collection. Emptied containers shall be removed from view on the same day that collection is made.
F. 
Customers using SWS containers shall provide and maintain a hard-surfaced pad on the property for locating the unit and shall maintain the pad so that the container is accessible and movable for collection. The pad design and location shall be approved by the general manager prior to construction.
G. 
It is the customer's responsibility to assure that dumpsters are accessible for service. If a dumpster is blocked by vehicles, snow berms, refuse piled too high and/or around a container, or any other obstacle that restricts access to or dumping of a container, and the customer requests an unscheduled additional pick up, the applicable charge for the service is quoted under section 26.70.080A.11.
H. 
Plans for dumpster enclosures shall be submitted by the customer for approval by the general manager or his designee in advance of construction. Dumpster enclosures shall be built to meet SWS design standards. If the enclosure is gated, the customer shall ensure that the gates are open to allow access on the scheduled service day(s).
I. 
No person shall deposit solid wastes upon any property, including but not limited to streets, alleys, municipal land, and private property, unless done with the property owner's consent.
J. 
No person having the care, as owner, lessee, agent or occupant, of any premises shall store solid wastes for collection purposes except in a clean and sanitary manner and in accordance with all other applicable federal, state and municipal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations. SWS reserves the right to clean such premises, if not properly kept; to add the cost thereof to the utility bill of such person; and to prosecute such person for noncompliance with this code.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019)
A. 
Terms of service.
1. 
It shall be the sole discretion of SWS to determine the method of collection for any property within the mandatory service area pursuant to section 26.70.030.
2. 
Billing for solid waste collection service will commence on the date that the roll cart is delivered. A request to cancel service will commence on the next day of service following the vacancy of the premises or the future date of roll cart removal. Retroactive disconnects cannot be offered. SWS shall have the right to determine how solid waste collection charges are to be billed. Failure to receive a bill or failure to apply for service does not relieve the customer of responsibility for the charges.
3. 
All solid waste collection charges shall be the obligation of the owner of the property served by SWS. Credit for vacant residential units may be extended if the period of vacancy exceeds 30 days and the customer notifies SWS in advance of the scheduled vacancy. Six months is the maximum period of time annually that an account can receive vacation credits.
4. 
In the event of accidental overcharges or undercharges for solid waste collection services, credit, and debit adjustments will be limited to the most recent six-month period prior to discovery and notification of the error.
5. 
Any customer who has services decreased due to non-payment must pay all past due billings (including collection costs if applicable) and make an advance payment equal to one billing period prior to reinstatement of service.
6. 
All solid waste collection charges for residential units shall be billed quarterly, in advance.
B. 
Residential rates, fees, and charges shall be assessed for municipal solid waste collection effective January 1, 2023.
1. 
Conventional can or bag service.
a. 
Where SWS allows, this rate covers the weekly collection of a maximum of four collection units, each unit consisting of one conventional 32-gallon garbage can or approved bag. The customer shall place all refuse for collection at the curbside or alley within three feet of the drivable roadway or alley.
Type of Service
Monthly Rate
Single-family residential
$25.00
2. 
Additional residential services.
a. 
Cans or bags in excess of the weekly limit will be collected and billed to the customer at a charge of $2.50 per can or bag. Larger bulk items will be charged at the current disposal charge based on cubic yardage with a minimum of one cubic yard (set by section 26.80.050A.2 and A.3).
b. 
SWS may collect refuse at other than the scheduled collection time. Estimates for special services will be quoted at the customer's request. The charge for special pickup service with a one-person crew shall be $121.61 straight time and $135.46 overtime for each one-half hour of vehicle time required for the pickup, plus disposal charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up. The charge for special pickup service with a two-person crew shall be $137.59 straight time and $160.69 overtime for each one-half hour required for the pickup, plus disposal charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up.
3. 
Automated refuse collection service.
a. 
Basic monthly charge. This rate covers the weekly collection of refuse and bi-weekly collection of recyclables on collection routes designated by the General Manager. Each customer receiving refuse collection service on a designated automated collection route shall subscribe to a service level based on standard refuse volumes as designated in this section. Multiple-family residential units, mobile homes or trailer courts with more than one trailer or mobile home, or business establishments shall pay the elected subscription rate per occupancy unit. Subscription rates shall be:
Subscription Volume for Refuse Collection
Monthly Service Charge
32 gallon - Standard Cart
$16.80
32 gallon - Bear Resistant Roll Cart
$18.80
48 gallon - Standard Cart
$24.86
64 gallon - Standard Cart
$33.57
64 gallon - Bear Resistant Roll Cart
$35.57
96 gallon - Standard Cart
$46.57
96 gallon - Bear Resistant Roll Cart
$48.57
b. 
SWS shall provide each customer receiving service on a designated automated collection route with roll cart refuse container(s) of volume equal to the subscription volume elected by the customer. All roll carts shall be unique in color or labeling such that refuse collection and recyclable collection are readily distinguishable. The customer is responsible for cleaning roll carts.
c. 
Each container will be designated by a unique serial number which shall be assigned to the customer's account. Upon initiation of service, one set of containers shall be delivered at no charge to the customer.
d. 
Customers who do not select a subscription volume shall be assigned a default subscription volume of 64 gallons per week and shall be billed accordingly.
e. 
The customer shall place roll carts for refuse collection at the curbside or alley within three feet of the drivable roadway or alley with a minimum of three feet of clearance from any pole, mailbox, vehicle, roll cart, snow berm, or other obstruction on any side. Customers shall be responsible for clearing snow or other obstructions limiting access to the collection containers.
f. 
When bear carts are in use, the customer is responsible for placing the bear cart at the curbside or in an alley with the lock in the unlocked position, unless the customer resides in a designated Secure Trash Regulation Zone, as defined in AMC Chapter 15.110. If the cart remains locked, the roll cart cannot be serviced and there will be a return visit fee of $121.61 charged if the driver is requested to return.
g. 
SWS shall only collect refuse properly contained within SWS roll carts. Any waste material not contained within the designated roll cart with the lid tightly closed shall be considered excess refuse and subject to additional charges.
h. 
Waste in addition to the volume of the provided roll cart must be contained in a closed bag.
i. 
Customers with excess or oversized refuse shall be charged $12.50 per pickup plus the greater of either $2.50 per bag or can of conventional size or the current disposal rate by volume basis for a minimum of one cubic yard of uncompacted refuse (set by section 26.80.050A.2 and A.3).
j. 
Roll carts with refuse exceeding the designed container volume by either protruding above the rim of the container so as to prohibit tightly closing the lid, or stacked on top of the lid shall be charged for excess pickup as prescribed the section 26.70.060B.3.a (additional volume). The collections operator may elect to refuse service to any overfilled container which cannot, in the operator's sole opinion, be emptied safely and without potentially spilling refuse to the ground.
k. 
Reloading of carts while being serviced is not permitted.
l. 
Roll cart containers shall remain SWS property.
m. 
Customers vacating premises or otherwise terminating service shall be responsible to arrange for the return of all roll carts to SWS.
n. 
Upon termination of service, a charge of $158.80 per roll cart shall be assessed for any non-returned/damaged carts.
o. 
SWS shall replace lost, stolen, or damaged roll carts where damage is considered in excess of normal wear and tear. The customer shall be billed $158.80 per cart for each replacement cart.
4. 
Residential refuse pack-out service. SWS offers an additional service to those customers that are unable to place their containers curbside or in the alley on service day. This service shall be provided only upon the customer's request. When subscribing to this additional service, the roll carts are to be placed outdoors and in plain view from the street or alley. SWS employees will then retrieve, service, and return the roll cart to its original location.
a. 
When the customer subscribes to this additional service the customer will be charged an additional monthly fee of $10.21 per set of containers (i.e. one trash/one recycle) in 50 feet increments.
b. 
SWS staff may not enter any building and/or gate to collect a container.
(AO No. 2020-91, § 1, eff. 1-1-2021; AO No. 2021-104, § 1, 1-1-2022; AO No. 2022-92(S-1), § 1, 1-1-2023)
A. 
Terms of Service:
1. 
SWS shall provide one roll cart container for the collection of recyclable materials free of charge when used in combination with residential refuse service. The roll carts shall be unique in color or labeling such that refuse collection and recyclable collection are readily distinguishable. The customer is responsible for cleaning roll carts.
2. 
Each container will be designated by a unique serial number which shall be assigned to the customer's account. Upon initiation of service, one set of containers shall be delivered at no charge to the customer.
3. 
Customers will be provided with a list of accepted recyclables. SWS may inspect the contents of any recycling collection container. Containers found to contain contaminants shall be tagged, notifying the customer that unacceptable materials were found. Contents of the container shall be collected as refuse, and the customer shall be billed $30.00 each time a container is found to contain contaminants.
4. 
Recyclables will only be collected from roll carts provided by SWS. Any waste material not contained within the designated roll cart with the lid tightly closed shall be considered excess refuse and subject to excess charges.
5. 
The customer shall place roll carts for recyclables collection at the curbside or alley within three feet of the drivable roadway or alley with a minimum of three feet of clearance from any pole, mailbox, vehicle, roll cart, snow berm, or other obstruction on any side. Customers shall be responsible for clearing snow or other obstructions limiting access to the collection containers.
6. 
Roll cart containers shall remain SWS property.
7. 
Customers vacating premises or otherwise terminating service shall be responsible to arrange for the return of all roll carts to SWS. Upon request, SWS will pick up carts.
8. 
SWS shall replace lost, stolen, or damaged roll carts where damage is considered in excess of normal wear and tear. The customer shall be billed $158.80 for each replacement cart.
B. 
Residential recycle pack-out service.
1. 
When the customer subscribes to this additional service the customer will be charged an additional monthly fee of $10.21 per set of containers (i.e. one trash/one recycle) in 50 feet increments.
2. 
SWS staff may not enter any building to collect a container.
C. 
Organic material monthly service charge.
1. 
This rate covers the weekly collection of organic materials on collection routes designated by the general manager. Each customer subscribing to organic material collections shall pay a monthly subscription rate. Subscription rates shall be:
Subscription Volume for Organic Collection
Monthly Service Charge
32 gallon - Organics Cart
$5.50
96 gallon - Organics Cart
$11.00
a. 
SWS shall provide each customer requesting organics service on a designated automated collection route with roll cart organics container(s) of volume equal to the subscription volume elected by the customer. Organic roll carts shall be unique in color or labeling such that they are readily distinguishable from the refuse collection and recyclable collection. The customer is responsible for cleaning roll carts.
b. 
Each container will be designated by a unique serial number which shall be assigned to the customer's account.
c. 
The customer shall place roll carts for organics collection at the curbside or alley within three feet of the drivable roadway or alley with a minimum of three feet of clearance from any pole, mailbox, vehicle, roll cart, snow berm, or other obstruction on any side. Customers shall be responsible for clearing snow or other obstructions limiting access to the collection containers.
d. 
Roll cart containers shall remain SWS property.
e. 
Customers vacating premises or otherwise terminating service shall be responsible to arrange for the return of all roll carts to SWS. Upon request, SWS will pick up carts. A charge of $158.80 per roll cart shall be assessed to the final bill for any non-returned/damaged carts.
f. 
SWS shall replace lost, stolen, or damaged roll carts where damage is considered in excess of normal wear and tear. The customer shall be billed $158.80 for each replacement cart.
g. 
SWS staff may not enter any building to collect a container.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019; AO No. 2019-13, § 1, 1-1-2019; AO No. 2019-126, § 1, 1-1-2020; AO No. 2020-91, § 1, eff. 1-1-2021; AO No. 2021-104, § 1, 1-1-2022; AO No. 2022-92(S-1), § 1, 1-1-2023)
A. 
Terms of service.
1. 
It shall be the sole discretion of SWS to determine the method of collection for any property within the mandatory service area pursuant to section 26.70.030.
2. 
Billing for solid waste collection service will commence with the date of purchase of the property (either by closing documents or municipal tax records). A request to cancel service will commence on the date or future date of notification by the customer. SWS shall have the right to determine how and to whom solid waste collection charges are to be billed. Failure to receive a bill or failure to apply for service does not relieve the customer of responsibility for the charges.
3. 
All solid waste collection charges shall be the obligation of the owner of the property served by SWS. Retroactive disconnects cannot be offered.
4. 
All solid waste collection charges for multiple-unit residential structures, commercial buildings, and businesses shall be billed monthly in arrears.
5. 
Each lot/structure will have its own service receptacle unless SWS determines that the placement of the dumpster will create a safety hazard.
6. 
In the event of accidental overcharges or undercharges for solid waste collection services, all adjustments will be limited to the most recent six-month period prior to discovery and notification of the error.
7. 
Any customer who has services decreased due to non-payment must pay all past due billings (including collection costs if applicable) and make an advance payment equal to one billing period prior to reinstatement of service.
8. 
Customers may request a reload of their dumpster on a scheduled service day. If the reload can be accomplished within five minutes, the customer will only be charged for the additional yardage. The reloading of the dumpster needs to be requested in advance by contacting the SWS Customer Service department at a minimum of 48 hours in advance and only those authorized on the account may make the request.
9. 
If the driver is required to stand by longer than five minutes for the reload to be completed, the customer will be charged the minimum of one-half hour stated below, in subsection A.10.
10. 
SWS may collect refuse at other than the scheduled collection time at the rate stated in this subsection. Estimates for special services will be quoted at the customer's request. The charge for special pickup service with a one-person crew shall be $121.61 straight time and $135.46 overtime for each one-half hour of vehicle time required for the pickup, plus disposal charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up. The charge for special pickup service with a two-person crew shall be $137.59 straight time and $160.69 overtime for each one-half hour required for the pickup, plus disposal charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up.
11. 
Dumpster customers who load a container above lid level, exceeding the capacity of the container, will be charged and billed an excess rate by the cubic yard, with a minimum of one cubic yard.
B. 
Damage repairs beyond normal wear and tear to dumpsters, dumpster lids, and locking devices not caused by SWS will be charged to the customer.
1. 
Repair charges:
Labor:
$145.87 /hr.
Lids:
$166.46
Paint:
$38.29
Decals:
$25.53
Replace dumpster:
$382.88
Replace Locking Device:
$72.12
C. 
Commercial can or bag service.
1. 
For an additional fee, a pack-out service is available to customers for those containers which are placed outdoors in plain view for SWS staff.
2. 
In addition to the applicable collection charge of this section, the charge for the collection of these containers shall be $10.21 for every 50 feet from the drivable roadway or alley per month.
3. 
SWS staff may not enter any building to collect a container.
Type of Service
Monthly Rate
Multiple-family residential units manufactured home parks with more than one residential unit (each unit consisting of four cans or bags).
$25.00/unit
In business establishments, each unit consists of four cans or bags. For each additional unit add an additional monthly rate. For more than once weekly service, multiply units times the number of days of service
$25.00/unit
D. 
Dumpster container service and rates. The following rates apply to the collection of solid waste from containers having a capacity of two to eight cubic yards ("cy") that may be emptied mechanically by a refuse collection vehicle:
Schedule 1 Containers with Loose Refuse with One Operator
Size
1x per wk.
2x per wk.
3x per wk.
4x per wk.
5x per wk.
6x per wk.
2x daily
2 cy
$122.00
$244.00
$364.00
$485.00
$607.00
$730.00
$1,460.00
3 cy
$160.00
$320.00
$480.00
$638.00
$797.00
$957.00
$1,914.00
4 cy
$192.00
$383.00
$575.00
$767.00
$957.00
$1,149.00
$2,298.00
6 cy
$274.00
$550.00
$823.00
$1,097.00
$1,371.00
$1,647.00
$3,294.00
8 cy
$357.00
$1,021.00
$1,072.00
$1,430.00
$1,787.00
$2,144.00
$4,288.00
Note: All containers are limited to household and light commercial wastes.
Schedule 2 Containers with Loose Refuse and Two Person Crew
Size
1x per wk.
2x per wk.
3x per wk.
4x per wk.
5x per wk.
6x per wk.
2x daily
2 cy
$204.00
$410.00
$612.00
$817.00
$1,021.00
$1,225.00
$2 450.00
3 cy
$383.00
$767.00
$1,149.00
$1,531.00
$1,915.00
$2,297.00
$4,594.00
E. 
Commercial dumpster rental rates.
1. 
Rental rates for two up to eight cubic yard containers provided by SWS shall be $24.00 per month.
2. 
Locking mechanisms for most commercial dumpsters that do not require the collector to exit the vehicle may be rented for $8.00 per month in addition to the dumpster rental rate.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019; AO No. 2019-13, § 1, 1-1-2019; AO No. 2019-126, § 1, 1-1-2020; AO No. 2020-91, § 1, eff. 1-1-2021; AO No. 2021-104, § 1, 1-1-2022; AO No. 2022-92(S-1), § 1, 1-1-2023)
A. 
The following rates apply to the collection of commercial recyclables from containers having a capacity of 96 gallons that can be emptied mechanically from a refuse collection vehicle.
1. 
Ninety-six-gallon roll cart service refers to automated curbside collection of recyclables.
B. 
Terms of service:
Roll Cart Size
1x every other wk.
1x per wk.
2x per wk.
96 gal
$17.00
$33.90
$67.70
C. 
Additional service and rules pertaining to commercial recycling.
1. 
A fee of $30.00 may be applied to a customer whose commercial recycling container contains more than 10% of contaminants. The fee will be applied at the discretion of the collection driver.
2. 
A customer may schedule a recycle pick up at times other than the scheduled collection times at a rate pursuant to subsection C.3 below.
3. 
The charge for special pickup service with a one-person crew shall be $121.61 straight time and $135.46 overtime for each one-half hour of vehicle time required for the pickup, plus recycling charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up. The charge for special pickup service with a two-person crew shall be $137.59 straight time and $160.69 overtime for each one-half hour required for the pickup, plus recycling charges based on the estimated volume of refuse picked up.
4. 
Commercial recycling materials left outside of a roll cart will be treated as refuse material and charged at refuse rates.
(AO No. 2018-98, § 2, 1-1-2019; AO No. 2019-126, § 1, 1-1-2020; AO No. 2020-91, § 1, eff. 1-1-2021; AO No. 2021-104, § 1, 1-1-2022; AO No. 2022-92(S-1), § 1, 1-1-2023)