Tamaqua apparently has an issue with dumpsters that sit on public streets for what seems like forever.
Last month, the Borough Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would limit how much time a dumpster can be kept on a public street.
“We’re just trying to stop the perpetual dumpster that’s always there,” Council President Brian Connely said. “We just want a way to monitor and say, ‘Hey, let’s move on here’.”
This issue has arisen because, according to borough officials, someone might start a renovation project that requires the use of a dumpster but that dumpster seems to sit for a very long time.
The new ordinance requires anyone getting a dumpster that’ll be placed on a public street to get a permit from the borough. That permit costs $25 and is good for 2 weeks. It can be extended for another 7 days provided another fee is paid.
“We just need some type of meat to go after those folks that just make it a perpetual project,” Connely said.
Here is a breakdown of the main rules of Tamaqua’s new dumpster ordinance:
Permit Requirement: Residents and businesses must obtain a permit from the borough to place dumpsters on public streets. The permits are valid for 14 days, with the possibility to extend for an additional 7 days upon payment of an extra fee.
Fees: A permit fee, initially set at $25, must be paid for each dumpster.
Placement Rules: Dumpsters must not block traffic lanes or street paths. They are required to have safety reflectors and its wheels must be positioned on wooden pads to prevent street damage.
Safety and Cleanliness: Dumpsters must not interfere with scheduled street cleanings or pedestrian pathways. Any chute leading to a dumpster must be deemed structurally sound. The area surrounding a dumpster must be cleaned daily.
Insurance and Liability: Permit holders must provide the waste hauler’s proof of insurance coverage of at least $100,000 and indemnify the borough against any damages arising from the dumpster’s use.
Violations and Penalties: Fines for non-compliance range from $50 to $600 daily. The borough also reserves the right to remove any improperly used dumpsters at the owner’s expense.
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