[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Falls Township 7-28-1988 by Ord. No. 88-10. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The short title of this chapter shall be the "Township of Falls Recycling Ordinance," and the same may be cited in that manner.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALUMINUM PRODUCTS
Products comprised solely of aluminum. This would include among other items, empty all-aluminum beverage and food containers.
BIMETAL CONTAINERS
Empty containers typically, but not exclusively, used for food and beverages and consisting of both ferrous material and aluminum.
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT
Those properties used primarily for commercial and industrial purposes and those multiple-dwelling residential buildings containing more than four dwelling units. This will not include institutional establishments.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION
The scheduled collection and transport of recyclable material placed at the curbline by residents.
FERROUS CONTAINERS
Empty steel or tin containers typically, but not exclusively, used for food or beverages.
GLASS
All commercial products made from silica or sand, soda ash and limestone. The product may be transparent, translucent or colored and all other material commonly known as "glass" and may be used as a container for packaging or bottling of various matter. Expressly excluded are plate glass, blue glass and porcelain or ceramic products.
INSTITUTIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
Those facilities that house or serve groups of people, e.g., hospitals, schools and nursing homes.
MAGAZINES and PERIODICALS
Printed matter other than newspaper, as defined hereinbelow, containing miscellaneous written pieces published at fixed or varying intervals. Expressly excluded are all other paper products of any nature.
NEWSPAPER
Paper of the type commonly referred to as "newsprint" and distributed at fixed intervals, having printed heron news and opinions and/or containing advertisements and other matter of public interest. Expressly excluded are newspapers which have been contaminated, i.e., used in litter boxes, bird cages, food wrap, etc., rendering it unfit for recycling purposes.
PERSON(s)
Owners, lessees or occupants of residences or commercial or institutional establishments.
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
Empty plastic containers typically, but not exclusively, used for food and beverages. Due to the large variety of plastics manufactured, the recycling regulations may stipulate specific types which may be recycled.
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Those materials specified by the municipality to be recycled. The list of materials is specified in the solid waste collection regulations. This list may be revised from time to time as deemed necessary by the Township Manager or his designee.
RESIDENCE
Any occupied single- or multifamily dwelling having not more than four dwelling units per structure for which the Township provides municipal waste collection services.
SOLID WASTE
A refuse (garbage and rubbish) and other discarded or private hauler.
There is hereby established a program for the mandatory segregation of recyclable materials from solid waste by persons residing in a single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling having not more than four dwelling units per structure for which the Township of Falls, hereinafter referred to as the "municipality," provides municipal waste collection services.
Recyclable materials shall be placed at the curb separate from other solid waste for curbside recycling collection at such times, dates and places as may be hereinafter established by regulation.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person(s), unauthorized by the municipality, to collect or pick up or cause to be collected or picked up any such recyclable material. Each such collection in violation hereof shall constitute a separate and distinct offense punishable as hereinafter provided.
The Township Manager or his designee is authorized and directed to enforce this chapter. The same is hereby authorized and directed to establish and promulgate reasonable regulations as to the manner, materials, days and times for the collection of recyclable materials in accordance with the terms hereof and any other matters required to implement this chapter. The Township Manager or his designee may change, modify, repeal or amend any portion of said rules and regulations at any time.
[Amended 1-25-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-1]
Any person, firm or corporation who violates or permits a violation of this chapter shall be subject to a civil enforcement proceeding and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a civil penalty of not more than $600, plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the Township in the enforcement of this chapter. Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. In default of the payment of any fine, the defendant shall be sentenced to imprisonment to the extent allowed by law for the punishment of summary offenses. Further, the appropriate officers or agents of the Township are hereby authorized to file a complaint for such violation and seek any other available relief at law or equity, including injunction, to enforce compliance with this chapter.
The Township Manager or his designee may enter into (an) agreement(s) with public or private agencies or firms to authorize them to collect all or part of the recyclable materials from curbside. This chapter shall not be in effect unless the Township Manager enters into such agreement(s). The chapter shall not become effective until the commencement date(s) of such agreement(s).
Any person may donate or sell recyclable materials to individuals or organizations without violating this chapter. These materials must be delivered to the individual's or organization's site.