The following Article is hereby established providing for municipal collection of household refuse and garbage.
[Approved 6-8-1978 as Ch. No. 1642]
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
All combustible material, including newspaper, magazines, cardboard boxes, cartons, wood (of proper size), rags, discarded clothing, leaves and grass clippings.
Includes all establishments wherein business transactions or services are rendered to the public. Apartment houses with seven or more dwelling units and mobile home parks are classified as "commercial establishments" for the purposes of this article.
Any room, or group of rooms, within a structure that is designed to be used by one family for living, sleeping, regular cooking (operating stove and refrigerator) and eating.
All vegetable, animal, fish, fowl or fruit matter resulting from the use or storage of food for human consumption.
All noncombustible waste, including fuel residue, tin or metal cans, bottles, household appliances and all other refuse not already defined as combustible rubbish or garbage, but excluding liquids.
A general term that includes garbage and combustible and noncombustible rubbish and which is used throughout the Article to simplify the text.
The Director of Public Works shall have the charge, care and management of the personnel and equipment engaged in, and the administration of, the program for collection of household refuse in the City of Pawtucket. The Director of Public Works shall have the power to set any rules not heretofore mentioned.
The Department of Public Works shall collect refuse from the residential structures and municipal buildings as set forth by this article.
[Amended 7-12-1979 by Ch. No. 1702; amended 11-8-1984 by Ch. No. 1910; 7-25-1996 by Ch. No. 2420; 5-22-2003 by Ch. No. 2682; 10-22-2020 by Ch. No. 3234; 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
A.
Structures with seven or more dwelling units are defined as "commercial establishments" and are not eligible for municipal refuse collection services. It is the responsibility of the owners of such structures, or their agents, to provide for the storage and collection of refuse in a manner fully consistent with this article. Such structures may employ a private collection service that utilizes either a commercial collection container, barrels with covers or plastic bags.
B.
All commercial trash and garbage containers (commonly known as "dumpsters"), whether at commercial establishments or otherwise, shall be covered, and the name, address and telephone number of said commercial contractor or company shall be prominently displayed on each container.
C.
Said commercial trash and garbage containers, whether at commercial establishments or otherwise, shall be screened by fencing or shrubbery if visible from the street.
D.
All dumpsters, whether at commercial establishments or otherwise, shall be serviced only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Anyone in violation of this subsection shall be subject to a fine of $250 for each day in violation. Second and subsequent violations may be subject to a fine of $500.
[Amended 7-25-1996 by Ch. No. 2420]
Refuse shall be collected at least once a week from all commercial and residential structures in the City of Pawtucket, or as many times as necessary in order to eliminate potential health hazards or as the Director of Public Works or Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement may determine.
[Amended 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
The Director of Public Works shall divide the City into districts for the collection of refuse combustibles and shall establish routes, days and times for the collection in each such district. The Director of Public Works shall provide reasonable notification of the day and time of collection when there is a change in the collection schedule for the householders in each district by advertisement on the City website and social media platforms and by any other method which the Director may consider advisable.
As part of the administrative powers granted to the Director of Public Works, for the purposes of refuse collection, the Director is empowered to establish refuse collection rules.
[Amended 4-9-1981 by Ch. No. 1756; 11-8-1984 by Ch. No. 1910; 5-5-1995 by Ch. No. 2386; 9-26-1996 by Ch. No. 2424; 5-10-2007 by Ch. No. 2842; 6-14-2011 by Ch. No. 2969; 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
In order for refuse to be collected on a weekly schedule by the City of Pawtucket Department of Public Works, the following rules shall apply:
A.
Loose garbage will not be collected. All garbage must be in the City trash cart to be collected. All residential solid waste containers, and recycling bins shall be placed at the curb, in front of said residence, not before 4:00 p.m. the day before collection. All reusable containers shall be removed from the curb no longer than eight hours after collection. No containers shall be placed in or on the street.
B.
All refuse receptacles must be watertight. Receptacles must be free from jagged or sharp edges. Replacement carts can be purchased at the Department of Public Works or an authorized third part for a fee.
C.
Only City trash and recycling carts are acceptable containers for curbside collection. Carts are available for a fee.
D.
Loose wood is not collected by the City.
E.
Yard waste will be collected on trash collection day. It must be separate from the regular trash. Yard waste consists of grass, tree limbs, leaves and plants. Tree limbs must be no larger than three inches in diameter and no longer than three feet in length, and must be tied in small bundles. Yard waste must be placed in composting bags or in barrels labeled "Yard Waste" only. No plastic bags will be accepted. Yard waste will be picked up from April until December only.
F.
Cardboard must be separated from the trash and placed in a recycling cart for recycling. Trash placed in cardboard will not be accepted or collected.
G.
Rugs are not collected by the city curbside, Rugs can be dropped off at the Transfer Station and must be cut into sections of no longer than six-foot lengths, and tied and bundled for a fee.
H.
No sand, dirt, sod, rocks, demolition lumber, broken concrete, asphalt, plaster, tile, brick or other construction material will be collected.
I.
No automobile or motorcycle parts. No tires, motor oil or hazardous liquids. Tires and motor oil may be dropped off at the transfer station and may have a fee associated with the drop off.
J.
Bulky waste. If refuse is of such size and nature (bulky waste) that it cannot fit into the city issued trash or recycling cart, it shall not be placed curbside without prior approval. Residents or property owners must contact the Department of Public Works to schedule an appointment for bulky waste collection. Items placed on the sidewalk or right-of-way without an appointment, or more than one night prior to the scheduled collection date, are prohibited and may be removed by the city at the property owner's expense. Unauthorized placement constitutes a violation for creating a public nuisance or safety hazard (see § 347-18E for penalties). An annual reminder of these requirements shall be included in property owner's annual tax bills. In addition, property owners shall be deemed responsible for any violations of this ordinance committed by their tenants. The following provisions apply to bulky waste:
(1)
Definition of bulky waste. Any item too large to fit into a standard city issued refuse or recycling roll-out cart, including but not limited to furniture (e.g., sofas, chairs, tables), appliances ("white goods" such as refrigerators and washers), mattresses, and box springs.
(3)
Illegal disposal. Placing bulky waste on public or private property without a scheduled appointment for pickup or in a manner inconsistent with this section.
(4)
Responsibility for violations. The property owner is responsible for all violations on their premises, including those caused by tenants.
(5)
City removal and cost recovery. Upon violation the enforcing officer (as defined in § 347-16) shall issue a written notice requiring removal with 24 hours. If not abated, the city may remove the items and recover the costs (plus reasonable administrative fees) through civil action in the name of the city and the housing court, or by recording a lien on the property pursuant to § 347-16D.
K.
No frozen containers or containers with warm ashes.
L.
No uncooked animal carcasses or parts.
M.
Metal items must be scheduled for pickup by the resident or the owner of the property through the Public Works Department before putting them on the curbside.
N.
Propane tanks are only accepted at the Transfer Station. Certain sizes may incur a fee for disposal. Items such as stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, water coolers, mattresses, box springs or televisions (except propane tanks) must be scheduled for pickup by the resident or the owner of the property before putting them on the curbside.
O.
Curbside collection of furniture (bulky waste) must be scheduled for pickup by the resident or the owner of the property. There is no charge for furniture pickup. Pickup shall be limited to three pieces per appointment.
P.
No full paint cans. Latex paint cans should be placed with the cover off in the regular trash after the paint has dried. Oil paint can be disposed by Eco Depot. Call Eco Depot or DPW for the location of drop-off sites.
Q.
Hazardous E-waste (computers, laptops, monitors, tablets, and TV's) shall not be put out with the trash and is banned from the landfill. These items may be dropped off at the transfer station or a designated e-waste drop-off site in Rhode Island.
R.
All dogs must be leashed, restrained or fenced in on the day of collection.
T.
Receptacles so stored shall be screened by fencing or shrubbery if visible from the street.
U.
Properties managed by private companies shall be responsible for all bulky waste pickup and disposal from that property.
V.
The City hereby incorporates by reference the rules of the R1 Resource Recovery Corporation and future amendments thereof.
[Added 5-10-2007 by Ch. No. 2842; amended 6-14-2011 by Ch. No. 2969; 1-6-2022 by Ch. No. 3248; 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
Bulky waste pickups by the City of Pawtucket will be free of charge unless they exceed the limits. Bulky waste pickups must be scheduled with the Department of Public Works and the appropriate fees paid prior to pickups being done. The following are the limits for items and the charges for pickups over the allowable limit:
Refrigerator | A/C | Water Cooler | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unit Size | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item Over Limit | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item Over Limit |
0 | $20 | |||||
1 family | 2 | $20 | 2 | $20 | ||
2 family | 2 | $20 | 2 | $20 | ||
3 family | 3 | $20 | 3 | $20 | ||
4 family | 4 | $20 | 4 | $20 | ||
5 family | 5 | $20 | 5 | $20 | ||
6 family | 6 | $20 | 6 | $20 | ||
TV | Mattress | Box Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unit Size | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item Over Limit | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item | Number Allowed Per Year | Charge Per Item |
0 | $20 | 0 | $20 | |||
1 family | 2 | $10 | ||||
2 family | 2 | $10 | ||||
3 family | 3 | $10 | ||||
4 family | 4 | $10 | ||||
5 family | 5 | $10 | ||||
6 family | 6 | $10 | ||||
Wherever there has been failure to comply with the provisions of this article or with the provisions of the rules and regulations established under this article, the Department of Public Works may refuse the collection of any refuse from the householder where such failure has occurred, until such time as compliance with the provisions of this article and with the rules and regulations established under this article has occurred on a regular collection day. Any householder, the collection of whose refuse has been refused as provided herein, shall cause such refuse to be removed forthwith at their own cost and expense.
[Amended 11-8-1984 by Ch. No. 1910; 11-21-1996 by Ch. No. 2433; 5-7-1998 by Ch. No. 2488; 11-23-2011 by Ch. No. 2984; 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
A.
Enforcing Officer. The Director of Public Works or Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement or his or her designee within the Department of Public Works or the Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement (hereinafter "Enforcing Officer"), shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated in furtherance of this chapter.
B.
Bulky waste violations — twenty-four-hour notice and removal. Whenever bulky waste is placed at the curb or in the public right-of-way in violation of § 347-14J (e.g., without a scheduled appointment or earlier than the night before collection), the Enforcing Officer shall affix a conspicuous notice to the items and/or the premises directing the owner or occupant to affix a conspicuous notice to the items and/or the premises directing the owner or occupant to remove the items within 24 hours. The notice shall state that failure to comply will result in removal by the City, issuance of a citation, and possible assessment of removal costs.
C.
Service of notice. Notice under Subsection B shall be deemed sufficient if the tag is clearly visible on the items or premises. Addition written notice may be served in any manner permitted by the Housing Court's Rules of Procedure or by certified mail to the property owner of record.
D.
Failure to comply. If the items are not removed within 24 hours, the Enforcing Officer may cause them to be removed and disposed of by the City. The property owner shall be issued a citation under § 347-18E and shall be liable for all costs of removal plus an administrative fee established by the Director of Public Works. Such costs may be recovered by Order of the Housing Court, or by recording a lien against the property pursuant to the authority in § 347-16 of this chapter.
E.
Daily violations. Each twenty-four-hour period that the offending refuse or bulky waste remains after expiration of the notice period shall constitute a separate offense under this section.
G.
Property owner responsibility. Property owners shall be responsible for violations committed by their tenants or occupants. A reminder of bulky-waste scheduling requirements shall be included annually with property tax bills.
H.
Immediate removal authority — Public safety or public nuisance. Notwithstanding Subsection B, if, in the reasonable judgment of the Enforcing Officer, the quantity, condition, or placement of the bulky waste creates an imminent public safety hazard (e.g., blocking a sidewalk, roadway, fire hydrant, or sight lines) or constitutes a sever public nuisance (e.g., infestation, extreme odor, or large-scale illegal dumping), the Enforcing Officer may cause the items to be removed immediately without prior notice to the owner or occupant. In such cases, the property owner or occupant shall be issued a citation under § 347-18E and shall be liable for all removal and administrative costs.
[Amended 11-8-1984 by Ch. No. 1910]
Whenever a violation of this article occurs or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint. Such complaint, stating fully the cause and basis thereof, shall be filed with the Director of Public Works, his or her agent or designee. The Director, his or her agent or designee, shall properly record such a complaint, immediately investigate and take action as provided by this article.
[Amended 11-8-1984 by by Ch. No. 1910; 5-5-1995 by Ch. No. 2386; 7-25-1996 by Ch. No. 2420; 5-24-2018 by Ch. No. 3160; 1-6-2022 by Ch. No. 3248; 3-12-2026 by Ch. No. 3326]
A.
Violation of the provisions of this article or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a violation. Any person who violates this article or fails to comply with any of its requirements, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined no less than $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $400 for each subsequent offence (unless noted otherwise) and, in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
B.
Violations of § 347-10.
(1)
The fine for violation of § 347-10B regarding covered containers shall be in the amount of $50 for each violation.
C.
Deposit of household rubbish or garbage in public or private litter receptacles. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or deposit any household rubbish or garbage in any public litter receptacles or any private litter receptacles unless consent is obtained from a public authority or private individual, association, or corporation. Any person convicted of violating this section of the code shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $200 for each violation, and said person shall be responsible for the safe removal and legal disposal of said waste material or debris at his or her own expense within 10 days from said conviction. Failure to remove said waste material or debris within the ten-day period shall be subject to an additional fine not to exceed $200.
D.
Habitual offender. Any person cited under the provisions of this article after two separate violations within a one-year period shall, upon the third violation commencing with the date of the first violation, be deemed a habitual offender and shall be immediately cited and summoned before the Pawtucket Municipal Police Court without the necessity of notice provided in § 347-16 hereof. Said Court shall, upon conviction, impose a fine of no less than $200 and, in addition, shall assess said offender all costs and expenses involved in the violation. A violation log shall be maintained by the Director of Public Works, his or her agent or designee.
[Added 7-21-2005 by Ch. No. 2275]
A.
All persons engaged in the business of collection or hauling of refuse and the operation of transfer stations within the City boundaries shall be issued a license by the City Council upon application if reasonably qualified.
B.
The Public Works Department, in conjunction with the Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement, shall promulgate reasonable rules and regulations governing the licensing of all qualified persons engaged in the business of collection and hauling of refuse and operation of transfer stations with respect to all refuse within the City's boundaries. These rules shall be approved and adopted by the City Council.
C.
If any licensed person permits any of the laws of this state, or any ordinance of the City, to be violated, notice of said violation shall be forwarded to the City Council by either the Public Works Department or the Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement.
D.
If any licensed person permits any of the laws of this state, or any ordinance of the City, to be violated, in addition to any punishment or penalties that may be prescribed by statute or ordinance for that offense, he or she may be summoned before the City Council, when he or she and the witnesses for and against him or her may be heard. If it appears to the satisfaction of the City Council that the licensee has permitted any of the laws of this state, or any ordinance of the City, to be violated, then the City Council may suspend or revoke the license or enter another order. Any licensed person who fails to appear before the City Council, after being duly summoned, shall have his license suspended until he appears before the City Council and shows cause why the license should be reinstated.