City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF A NIGHT-TIME
COMMERCIAL WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM,
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026
Whereas, in correspondence dated December 17, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to implement a Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program for eligible commercial properties within designated areas of the City of Mount Vernon, with refuse collection occurring between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., effective January 2026; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon, through its Department of Public Works (“DPW”), is responsible for the collection and disposal of commercial solid waste in designated areas of the City; and
Whereas, daytime commercial waste collection has increasingly contributed to traffic congestion during peak travel hours, creating operational challenges for DPW personnel and conflicts with pedestrian and vehicular activity; and
Whereas, shifting certain commercial waste collection routes from daytime hours to overnight hours will allow refuse collection to occur during off-peak periods, thereby improving traffic flow, public safety, and operational efficiency; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has proposed the implementation of a Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program under which eligible commercial properties will transition to refuse collection occurring between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
Whereas, the proposed program will apply to designated commercial areas and will be implemented in coordination with other City departments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to minimize impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods; and
Whereas, the Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program is part of a broader set of sanitation service adjustments planned for 2026, including modifications to bulk trash collection and seasonal early-morning residential collection, all intended to modernize sanitation services and improve reliability; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that authorizing the implementation of this program is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents, businesses, and visitors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Public Works to implement a Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program for eligible commercial properties within designated areas of the City of Mount Vernon, with refuse collection occurring between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., effective January 2026.
Section 2. Designation of Areas and Applicability. The Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program shall apply to designated commercial corridors and areas as determined by the Department of Public Works, in coordination with relevant City departments, and shall exclude or limit participation where necessary to minimize impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Section 3. Administrative Authority. The Commissioner of Public Works is hereby authorized and directed to establish and implement all operational guidelines, collection routes, staffing plans, enforcement measures, and administrative procedures necessary to carry out the Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program in an efficient and orderly manner.
Section 4. Coordination and Compliance. The Department of Public Works shall coordinate with other City departments, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and to address issues related to noise mitigation, public safety, and neighborhood impacts.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract; provided, however, that the Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection program authorized herein shall be implemented effective January 2026.